Features

A new feature to the Warbirdsim P-51D is the ability to change the type of flying helmet worn. If you favour the modern HGU-55 helmet, most typically worn by pilots in their restored aircraft, then a simple click of the Detonator button, within the cockpit, will action this. Alternatively, even modern pilots prefer to wear the authentic Leather A-11 flight helmet style, to fill the period-look, so the choice is yours. Also, depending on flight conditions, you have the opportunity to raise and lower your Goggles/Visor, by clicking the number 2 Detonator button, as illustrated.

Interior Model Like every other aspect of the Warbirdsim P-51D, the Virtual Cockpit is extremely detailed and accurate. The placards are individual to the type you are operating and are easily read to check you are not going to destroy your new fighter. Also in place, as per each respective variant, are the unique engraved, or stamped, data plates, on both the starboard and port sides of the cockpit. Noticeable are differing data plates, depending on location of original manufacture NT indicating Dallas, TX-built, and NA indicating Inglewood, CA-built.

The K-14A gun sight has been modelled in fine detail and accuracy, and is switched on using the Gyro Gun Sight button on the Gun Sight control box, as illustrated. The reticle responds to in-flight manoeuvering, through realistic gyro control, and brightens or darkens depending on the background type for ease of sighting. On the left side of the main housing of the K-14A unit, is the adjustment wheel to set up the range, which may be rotated forwards and backwards, adjusting the size of the reticle. Also, on the Gun Sight control box, you may select to turn on, or off, the fixed cross-hair, that is projected at the center of the gun sight, used in correspondence with the gyro-controlled reticle.

The K-14 can be removed or replaced by clicking on the panel just below the crash pad, or through clicking on the front of the gun sight mounting bracket.

Our P-51D is the most accurate visual model that has been produced, using many original North American Aviation (NAA) drawings, original dimensions, hundreds of photos, and correspondence with Mustang restorers, pilots, researchers, and modellers. Never before has the Mustang been modelled to feature modern restored examples, with accurate and faithful reproduction of their respective cockpits and systems. The Packard Merlin powerplants are inhibited and feature a gated throttle to only allow operation at 61" MP.

The fuel selector has been programmed for ease of use, rotate using left and right mouse clicks according to the proper system of usage as on the real aircraft. Starting at the default fuselage fuel tank selection, the selector may be rotated using the left mouse button, animated to transition through the fuel tank selections in proper order: CENTER, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT DROP TANK, RIGHT DROP TANK, CENTER. At any time, the selector may be clicked on using the right mouse button, to transition backwards through this order.

A typical modern radio panel is installed in each variant, featuring a Transponder, Communications 1 Radio, Communications 2 Radio, and a Navigational Radio. Each may be tuned manually, using the corresponding knobs. These Radios may be further controlled through the use of the functional circuit breakers alongside the radioheads. Using these circuit breakers, you may switch between Comms, or activate both Comms at once, as well as activating the audio for the NAV radio. Two green lights are provided alongside the Comms, providing easy confirmation to which are active.

As in most restored Mustangs, a VOR-CDI gauge and corresponding NAV radio, is a must. Within each variant, a CDI-gauge is available, either on the instrument panel by default, or by clicking upon the factory-stock blank-gauge cover plate on the instrument panel, where-in-which the CDI will appear. This gauge is fully functional, working hand-in-hand with the NAV radio, providing the pilot VORnavigation capability. The CDI itself has been re-finished to match the period look of the stock instruments, a practice seen in select Mustang restorations, leaving its overall impact on the period-look, minimal.

The external fuel tanks on the Warbirdsim P-51Ds, are loaded by clicking on the payload switches, mounted on the pilots switch panel as illustrated. They are removed by clicking the switches upward, or by releasing them, by clicking upon the arming switch, and then using either the manual payload release levers, or the switch atop the control stick. Included are the long-range, replica, paper 108-U.S. gallon drop tanks, or the standard metal 75-U.S. gallon drop tanks (models without wing pylons do not feature selectable payload, and Ferocious Frankie is loaded with replica 500-lbs bombs, fashioned from the same examples often carried by the actual aircraft during display).

The 108-gallon paper tank, featuring accurate plumbing, including the break-away glass sections, as well as accurate laminatepatterns, stencils, fuel cap, and mounting brackets.

The 75-gallon metal tank, featuring accurate plumbing to this tanktype, all four fuel drain spigots, a properly-recessed fuel cap, correct mounting brackets, and correct placards & stencils.

Settings
For the most realistic experience of your Warbirdsim P-51D, suggested computer settings are as below or as close to this as possible.

Allowance for slower machines will need to be made. Top- Suggested set up for aircraft realism. Your display settings should be set as high as possible, depending on your PC setup and Graphics card.