Speaking of Gear Doors, How 'Bout Them P-51's?

[Pogo]

Can't help but notice that sometimes the inboard gear doors hang down, and sometimes they snug up, on the Mustang (when the gear is down). The first pic of Never Miss on Jack's "A Few From Salem Past..........." thread made me think of it, and, lo and behold, the second pic of the same a/c illustrates the "conundrum" to a tee. Wonder what gives?

[51fixer]

Can't help but notice that sometimes the inboard gear doors hang down, and sometimes they snug up, on the Mustang (when the gear is down). The first pic of Never Miss on Jack's "A Few From Salem Past..........." thread made me think of it, and, lo and behold, the second pic of the same a/c illustrates the "conundrum" to a tee. Wonder what gives?

P-51 hyd system has a bypass handle that you pull after shutdown to relieve pressure on the system.
When pressure is relieved the doors will fall down after a period due to gravity.

Rich

[mlenoch]

Rich is correct.
Plus some hydraulic systems are tighter than others (read:less internal leakage), thus the doors may take longer to droop down than on other airplanes. Also, on the same airplane, one actuator may be tighter than the other side, thus uneven 'droopage' (is that a word?).
VL

[Pogo]

.....'droopage' (is that a word?).

Absolutely, young fellers. But we are a polite company, and shall skip the explanation.

Thanks guys, that clears it right up!

[sdennison]

Oh, you mean "One Hung Low"? by Claude Bawls?

[Tom N]

Also, some mustangs have a device in the left gear well that is engaged by the left clam shell hanging down that prevents the gear handle from being raised..........Can be a nice thing when the airplane is parked...........

TN

[gregv]

is that the same situation with the speed brakes on the F-86? I have noticed that they are always out when the plane is on the ground.

greg v.

[hang the expense]

Oh, you mean "One Hung Low"? by Claude Bawls?

That would be TIGERS REVENGE

[gale_dono]

Allison Mustangs have a lock (or something to that effect) that keeps the doors up until they need to do their thing, however.

[Lynn Allen]

Even on the Hawker 700 I flew, the pressure would bleed off and the right door would open over night or over a few days, both doors would open..

Lynn