Author Topic: p51b vs p51d (Read 7107 times)

bj229r · « **Reply #30 on:** August 19, 2006, 09:54:26 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Widewing
In what way? The P-51B is lighter, turns smaller circles and is generally swifter on the controls. Aside from lacking two MGs, it gives up little to the P-51D in performance and offers superior handling.

Many WWII pilots found themselves dissatisfied with the P-51D, preferring their old P-51Bs and Cs. Note also, that 2/3rds of the P-51C run were fitted with the same engine as the P-51D... Meaning that they had slightly better performance than the later model because they were lighter and a bit cleaner in terms of drag.

My regards,

Widewing

I read a book by a retired Colonel/ace who fought in Italy area---he tried the "D", went back to "B" (He DID allow that the "B" had thinner wings, thus causing the guns to be mounted a bit sideays, causing occasional jams)

Debonair · « **Reply #31 on:** August 19, 2006, 03:56:00 PM »

James Howard, the "One man Air Force", had only one gun going by the end of his famous fight...

he was ina B

Reynolds · « **Reply #32 on:** August 19, 2006, 04:57:45 PM »

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Originally posted by J_A_B
The AH P-51B makes for a fine perk farmer, but understand that it doesn't really shine unless you take it up really high.

J_A_B

Any suggestions on how to get a fight that high? I normally fly bombers at at least 16k, and even take them up to 20-25k, and ther3es never anyone above the clouds. You may occasionally have a single fighter come in at 16, but thats it.

Vudak · « **Reply #33 on:** August 19, 2006, 05:56:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Reynolds
Any suggestions on how to get a fight that high? I normally fly bombers at at least 16k, and even take them up to 20-25k, and ther3es never anyone above the clouds. You may occasionally have a single fighter come in at 16, but thats it.

Tell the 56th where you'll be

MiloMorai · « **Reply #34 on:** August 19, 2006, 05:59:08 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by bj229r
I read a book by a retired Colonel/ace who fought in Italy area---he tried the "D", went back to "B" (He DID allow that the "B" had thinner wings, thus causing the guns to be mounted a bit sideays, causing occasional jams)

Myth.

The only difference (shape) between the B/C wing and the D wing was the D had more crank to the leading edge inboard of the landing gear. This was accomplished with the root airfoil being extended.

Widewing · « **Reply #35 on:** August 19, 2006, 06:19:19 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by MiloMorai
Myth.

The only difference (shape) between the B/C wing and the D wing was the D had more crank to the leading edge inboard of the landing gear. This was accomplished with the root airfoil being extended.

Indeed, I've had many vets claim that the P-51D "had a thicker wing than the P-51B". It didn't... Modified internal structure, but same outside dimensons.

My regards,

Widewing

Mako15 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:54:38 PM »

ok anyone who's brought this up with me in the game knows what I think, but anyway, the B kicks the D's shiny metal butt, lol, it turns better, it doesnt really give up much in the guns, just makes you a better shot, and like I said before I figured out how to use the zoom, what's the use of a bubble canopy if the frigging seat blocks your view???

Mako

NoBaddy · « **Reply #37 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:54:47 PM »

Actually, it is my understanding that the D's bubble created turbulence which is why the B is 4 to 5 mph faster.

bkbandit · « **Reply #38 on:** August 21, 2006, 12:09:25 AM »

so mako says b model

b model 1
d model 0

i cant choose, i have done the fight both ways, in the d against the b and the reverse, i won both so that doesnt sway the scale either way. The biggest factor in a fight between the 2 is the guy in the cockpit, i had a b model on top of me and i had NO e and i ended up wit my guns to his head. Its a mood of the day which decides which one i take out. unless i noe im shootin at heavier targets then d model is a must(even though 6 50s arent meant to bring down bombers).

Furball · « **Reply #39 on:** August 21, 2006, 02:22:06 AM »

O/T...

Milo, i am shocked and outraged that i am not on your "posts worth reading" list.

Oh.. and p51b is a much nicer handling plane, but the D with the added punch is better for a combat situation in AH.

If you want to do pretty aerobatics, acm and 1 vs 1 fighting go for the B.

If you want to go in, murder lots of things and make your shots count, the D is better.

Charge · « **Reply #40 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:53:01 AM »

"The B had a stability problem just like the D only not as bad. Late production Bs got the fin fillet the Ds got."

"Actually, it is my understanding that the D's bubble created turbulence which is why the B is 4 to 5 mph faster."

I thought that the bubble canopy caused a turbulence wich caused the D to snake in high speed, and that was the reason why the tail fin fillet was added, where as the B didn't need it. It surprises me that also the late Bs had it.

-C+

Spatula · « **Reply #41 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:28:25 PM »

Is this the 'all hail the B model' thread or something? Is there some romantic notion that flying the B gains you more respect than flying the D? People are strange at times. They're both good at different applications.

The way i look at it is that if you flying/fighting below about 12-13k your distinctly better off in the D, if your above that your probably better off in a B. Obvious engine performance differences asside, your more likely to need the extra punch of the 6 50s down low (more cons) than up high (where its more likely a more even fight - eg 1 on 1s etc). Engine differences make the B definetely the kite to be in in a scrap above 14K for sure, and you can and do notice the climb performance differences. But as most scraps happen below 10k, your handicapping yourself flying the B both in eng perf and gun perf at 'normal' engagement alts.

The difference in turn rates is negligable, and pilot skill would have determined the outcome long before raw A/C ability.

As for the saying "if ya cant kill with 4, ya wont kill with 6" doesnt change the fact that if you can kill with 4, 6 is going to kill quicker every time, and sometimes thats the difference between landing and bailing.

My 2 cents.

Wolf14 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 21, 2006, 05:47:13 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Spatula
Is this the 'all hail the B model' thread or something?.....

Sorry that it upsets you that there are a few of us who happen to like the B model more than the D model and wish to discuss the difference.

And just so you know Mister Spatula, I have a P-51B shrine set up in my room. Its setting on its rudder with its nose in the air, pointing towards the skies above. Each night before I go to bed I light some Frankensense and Myr and place the sticks in the gun barrels. While they are burning I pray to the P-51B god that only those who follow the path of the 51B will Know the peace and serenity brought unto ones self when flying such a beautimous aircrarft in the virtual skies. I then touch the wingtips, wiggle the tail, and do a little happy dance before going to bed.

Now if I could just fly it better than I do, virtual life would be grand.

Spatula · « **Reply #43 on:** August 21, 2006, 06:30:28 PM »

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Originally posted by Wolf14
Sorry that it upsets you...

No, im not at all upset. Like i said they're both great planes.

bkbandit · « **Reply #44 on:** August 21, 2006, 11:19:27 PM »

ok so furball is a d model guy
wolf is b model

2 B model

1 D model

which do u like best, vote on it. If ur one of those flavor of the day guys and cant choice like me just call it even.

1 guys that just like the mustang

biggest factor between the 2 is the pilot.