Warbird Information Exchange

Not suggesting instantly snapping the handle to the stop... Takeoff rating on a Mustang is 61" and 3000 RPM, right? Can any Mustang pilots tell us if that is achievable on the takeoff roll or would you be off the ground before you got to that power setting (assuming you were at gross weight)?

These days 55" is the MP setting of choice for the Mustang... never do you just shove the throttle all the way to the stop... advancing the throttle normally you would reach 61" before liftoff... back when it was a warhorse you would do so LONG before takeoff... today we fly at weights WAY below those of wartime.

gunny

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Scott 'Gunny' Perdue
www.scottperdue.com

I have flown with P-51 pilots who use 50 inches,(seems a little soggy) 55in ,(seems good) and the full sound and fury of 61 inches which makes an impression on most passengers. Yes , a 51 will take 61 inches on the runway before liftoff if you do it smoothly and gradually. I would guess you'd need about 70 knots and lot's of rudder. If you were to slam the throtle to 61 in at the start I am pretty sure you would not have enough rudder effect to hold it straight.
The man who taught me to fly the Spitfire was an experienced Mustang pilot, won the Silver at Reno. He remarked about the Spit that at plus 8 to 10 lbs "it really starts to get with the program." I normally never go above 8lbs boost for takeoff, or 46 inches. More is not needed. I have tried more and found 10 lbs or 50 in is about the max you can use and have enough control to track the runway. You need about 70 knots and full rudder and by them you are airborne anyway. Gear up and you are climbing at 3000 fpm plus.
One of the best formation things is to takeoff as a section, on the wing of a Mustang. One minute you are looking at a plane sitting static on the runway beside you and the next it is a soaring, airborne, graceful fighter, still beside you. It takes a little power management as the Spit wants to come off the runway first, then when the Mustang gear comes up they accelerate quickly while I am switching hands to raise my gear and can't more the throttle. I wish shows did more of these takeoffs, more fun than just single file.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK