Thunder Mustang

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

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The article provides a comparative specification and performance analysis between the Thunder Mustang and the North American P-51D.
The Thunder Mustang is a significantly lighter and smaller aircraft, powered by a 640 HP Falconer V12 engine, whereas the P-51D features a larger airframe and a 1490 HP Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
Despite its smaller engine, the Thunder Mustang matches the P-51D's maximum speed at sea level (326 kts) and surpasses it in cruise speed (300 kts vs. 250 kts), climb rate (5200 fpm vs. 2800 fpm), and fuel efficiency (25 gph vs. 60 gph).
The P-51D, however, boasts a much higher service ceiling (46,000 ft vs. 25,000 ft) and substantially greater maximum takeoff weight and useful load capacity.

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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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