Thunder Mustang

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The article provides a detailed specification and performance comparison between the Thunder Mustang and the North American P-51D.
The P-51D is significantly larger and heavier, powered by a 1490 HP RR Merlin engine, compared to the Thunder Mustang's 640 HP Falconer V12.
Despite its smaller engine, the Thunder Mustang achieves the same maximum speed at sea level (326 kts) as the P-51D, while boasting a higher cruise speed, superior climb rate, and significantly better fuel efficiency.
Key distinctions include the Thunder Mustang's lighter weight, lower wing loading, better power loading (5.0 lbs/hp vs 7.7 lbs/hp), and lower stall speed.

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10

Tecnam P2008

Thunder Mustang | North American P-51D

Thunder Mustang

North American P-51D

Engine Make/Model:

Falconer V12

RR Merlin

Displacement (cu. in.):

601

1649

Horsepower:

640

1490

Fuel Type:

100LL

100LL

Four-Blade Propeller (in.):

94 MT

134 Ham Std

Equivalent Flat Plate Area (sq. ft.):

8.1

13.4

Landing Gear Type:

Conv/retr

Conv/Petr

Max Takeoff Weight (lbs.):

3200

11,600

Empty Weight (lbs.):

2200

7635

Useful Load, Std. (lbs.):

1000

3965

Usable Fuel, Std. (gals./lbs.):

102

180

Payload, Full Std. Fuel (lbs.):

388

2885

Wingspan:

23′ 10″

37′

Overall Length:

24′ 3″

42′ 3″

Wing Area (sq. ft.):

104

236

Wing Loading (lbs./sq. ft.):

28.8

49.2

Power Loading (lbs./hp):

5.0

7.7

Seating Capacity:

2

2

PERFORMANCE

Max Speed SL (kts.):

326

326

Max Cruise Speed (kts., 75%):

300

250

Cruise Fuel Burn (gph/lbs):

25

60

Best Rate Of Climb, SL (fpm):

5200

2800

Service Ceiling (ft.):

25,000

46,000

Stall (V_so,kts.):

68

88

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