360 Degree Cockpit View Of A P-51 Mustang (Hi-Res)

[billt]

http://www.stclairphoto-imaging.com/360/P51-Mustang/P51_swf.html

Take off power 3,000 RPM @ 61 INCHES of Manifold Pressure!

Maximum Dive Speed 505 MPH !

[twyacht]

That it truly one "stick" between your legs, for a piston driven aircraft, that will never be copied.

Why they were the "Cadillac Of The Sky".

[Dakotaranger]

That is way too cool

[fightingquaker13]

Very cool. It does make me wonder. Why did we have to wait for the Israelis with their version of the F-16 to come up with the idea of putting in rear view mirrors in a fighter plane?
FQ13

[alfsauve]

Very cool. It does make me wonder. Why did we have to wait for the Israelis with their version of the F-16 to come up with the idea of putting in rear view mirrors in a fighter plane?
FQ13

Didn't part of it had to do with vibration in piston driven planes making the mirrors hard to be use.


In Sarasota in the 60's there was a factory on the airport property that took P-51s and retro fitted them with turbine engines.  No where near as impressive sounding and it made it almost impossible to flip them on the ground.  It did however significantly decrease their weight and hence increase the maneuverability.

[Sponsor]

[jnevis]

Very cool. It does make me wonder. Why did we have to wait for the Israelis with their version of the F-16 to come up with the idea of putting in rear view mirrors in a fighter plane?
FQ13

Most fighters have a "rear view mirror" and have for a LONG time.  That was a P-51A/B, the D and beyond had a small mirror between the two forward canopy struts.

[kilopaparomeo]

My favorite part of that is the vice grips being used as a handle just to the right of the seat.  $2M aircraft and he's using vice grips.  Love it.

[alfsauve]

My favorite part of that is the vice grips being used as a handle just to the right of the seat.  $2M aircraft and he's using vice grips.  Love it.

And you are implying that those are "cheap" ordinary, over-the-counter, Vice Grips?   Surely, those were procured through appropriate government buying process at a reasonable $35,000ea  (or through surplus auction at $0.35ea)

[billt]

I like the Preoiler. I wish automobile engines had that. Especially diesels. It would really add to the engines life.  Bill T.

[billt]

You would think for all of that money along with the craftsmanship that went along with it they could of gone with a more comfortable seat. I want Melanie to rub my butt and back just looking at that thing!  Bill T.