considering buying p51d civilian. is it worth it?

[hummatov]

i already have p51d military. considering getting the civilian version as well. is it a good idea? does it have advantages over the military one? especially the gps. is it operational at all? can you navigate using that?

please advise.

thanks

[robert41]

Yes, I think it is worth it.
It has modern radios, for comms, navigation. NDB, VOR. Functional GPS. HSI.
It is much lighter than the Mil version. No armor, no guns (weight), no pylons (no drop tanks, bombs, rockets). No gun sight.
It has both wing and rear fuel tanks. Oxygen is functional.
Beacon and strobe lights with the Civ version.
There is no GPU with the Civ model. Batt start only.
It has a good but simple autopilot.
The Civ version is a bit faster (lighter weight), a little shorter legged (no drop tanks).
I like to fly the Civ version in a modern atmosphere, Mil in a WW2 atmosphere.
Also, the one P51 Accusim is for both models.

[hummatov]

Yes, I think it is worth it.
It has modern radios, for comms, navigation. NDB, VOR. Functional GPS. HSI.
It is much lighter than the Mil version. No armor, no guns (weight), no pylons (no drop tanks, bombs, rockets). No gun sight.
It has both wing and rear fuel tanks. Oxygen is functional.
Beacon and strobe lights with the Civ version.
There is no GPU with the Civ model. Batt start only.
It has a good but simple autopilot.
The Civ version is a bit faster (lighter weight), a little shorter legged (no drop tanks).
I like to fly the Civ version in a modern atmosphere, Mil in a WW2 atmosphere.
Also, the one P51 Accusim is for both models.

Great. thank you sir. i appreciate.

[n421nj]

Depends on the type of flying you like to do. If you fly on multiplayer in a semi real environment then I'd advise getting the civ version. Technically the mil version is vfr only so no flying above 17500 which is like putting the mustang on crutches.

[Tug002]

Technically the mil version is vfr only so no flying above 17500 which is like putting the mustang on crutches.

I dont know, in good clear weather I fly the mil version at around 25,000-30,000 with no problems other than it being cool in the cockpit. No worse than the B-17 at 30,000. I dont have the civil version so I cant say anything about it.

Keep smiling
Tug

[robert41]

Technically the mil version is vfr only so no flying above 17500 which is like putting the mustang on crutches.

I dont know, in good clear weather I fly the mil version at around 25,000-30,000 with no problems other than it being cool in the cockpit. No worse than the B-17 at 30,000. I dont have the civil version so I cant say anything about it.

Keep smiling
Tug

Actually the Mil 51 was/is a WW2 era aircraft. I simulate this within FSX. It is quite at home at 30000ft.

[n421nj]

Let me clarify, the p51 has a ceiling well above 17500. In fact I believe it can go up into the 40,000ft range. However if you are flying in a multiplayer environment that follows the same rules as real life, (ie. no faster than 250kias below 10,000ft, no entering the class b airspace without permission) then all flights above 18000ft are within class A airspace and must be IFR. So the military version would only be able to fly as high as 17500 because that is the highest vfr altitude.

[robert41]

Yes, in a modern world.
But the Mil. P51 is very capable of IFR flights. I follow roads, rivers, railroad tracks every flight.

[n421nj]

Yes, in a modern world.
But the Mil. P51 is very capable of IFR flights. I follow roads, rivers, railroad tracks every flight.

That would be VFR flying. No way to track VORS or NDBS or any other nav aids. No ils. Sure you could get vectors from ATC but if IMC no way to tell if you are on the localizer or glide slope. I fly on an online community that mirrors real life rules and regs. I regularly fly the civ mustang because it is not only ifr capabe but also flies at jet altitudes and jet speeds. It gives me the best of both worlds, cruising at 35,000ft but landing at only 100mph all with accusim. I currently have a bad hydraulic leak in my p51. Almost out of fluid. Next flight I hopefully get to rock em to lock em.

[Jacques]

I think Robert was just pulling you leg! IFR = I Follow Roads (or Rivers, or Railroad tracks)!

[n421nj]

Ahh crap. I think you're right. Shame on me.

[robert41]

All in good fun.

[EnDSchultz]

Let me clarify, the p51 has a ceiling well above 17500. In fact I believe it can go up into the 40,000ft range . . .

Indeed! I was farting around a bit the other day and got it briefly up to FL486, though it took some serious finesse, and the engine was not very happy. Had to redline the RPM to get enough power, and at only 20'' MP and -54C outside, the oil was getting pretty thick in the lines, dipping to 50C and WELL over 150psi...definitely not a cruising altitude!

[Tug002]

[/quote]
Indeed! I was farting around a bit the other day and got it briefly up to FL486, though it took some serious finesse, and the engine was not very happy. Had to redline the RPM to get enough power, and at only 20'' MP and -54C outside, the oil was getting pretty thick in the lines, dipping to 50C and WELL over 150psi...definitely not a cruising altitude![/quote]

If the oil gets too thick you can thin it out with oil dilution switch. I dont know if this is a good thing to do but it works

Keep smiling
Tug