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Shockwaves P51 Mustang

By Brian Pit Murphy - 25th May 2008
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Greetings once again fellow flight simmers!!!!

This time around I had the chance to test out another very recognizable classic aircraft of military aviation for FSX!!!

Though I have not had the pleasure of having the opportunity to fly this plane in the real world, I have been around P-51's for many years. Compliments of the CAF (Confederate Air Force… now called the Commemorative Air Force), and have had the extraordinary opportunity to wrangle a ride in the P-51 Big Beautiful Doll.

I must say that the Wings of Power folks again did a very nice job!!!

The Manual provided is a bit weak. They did include some basic checklist, which are nice. But I feel the manual could have been much more in depth. The strongest feature of this product is by far their attention to detail on both the exterior modeling and especially the virtual cockpit... all the essential switches and levers function, though it is not as interactive as the P-40 they put out I do not believe... but I could be wrong on this... been awhile since I have taken the P-40 out of the hanger for a spin. One thing that bothers me is that the main fuselage tank gauge is not functional.

If you start from a cold and dark cockpit, you will need to follow the checklist to get it started.

As for general flight characteristics, they are pretty good. They do seem to me, to be pretty close to on the numbers. A feature incorporated that I was happy to notice, is that to lock the tail wheel on take off, you need to keep the stick pulled back until you gain sufficient speed to have the rudder effective. This is exactly like the real bird!!!

Ok Let’s start off once again with the Pros…

- Very nice interior and exterior modeling looks very good!!
- The manuals supplied were weak, but still adequate to get going.
- Handling is pretty good… seems to be pretty close to the published performance numbers for the real bird... and just as squirrelly and touchy as the real bird, and ESPECIALLY the torque effect is well modeled to my great surprise!!!
- The virtual cockpit is very nice.
- The Realistic start up effects and engine smoke are well done!! Plus taking off from a dirt strip was very cool with the effects of the dirt and dust kicked up!!

The Manuals… As I said, they are a little weak, but certainly quite adequate, and give you all the numbers you need as well as some basic checklist.

Handling… Pretty close to right on the numbers. The drag and torque have be modeled quite well!!!

Like the WoP P-40, this is a VERY nice little airplane for FSX if you like to go for a spin around the local countryside (remember… it has no Nav equipment and not a lot of range) in a WWII classic airplane… It will give a fairly decent feel for the airplane… and an appreciation!!

The Cons…

Sound package… I was very disappointed with the sound package on this one!!! When on exterior views, it sounds puny and like a lawn mower, even at full throttle... NOT like the powerful Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 monster it had in it... but more like an R/C model. From in the cockpit, it doesn't sound near as bad, but still weak.

Skins... In the basic download, only one skin is provided. I believe this is truly a shame not to provide more for such a majestic aircraft!!

Overall though, I am happy with this aircraft from a flight model aspect!!! But what damages the overall rating in MY opinion is the lack of a strong sound package and skins.