Author Topic: Could the P51 do a loop at 30k? (Read 395 times)

fdiron · « **on:** February 21, 2002, 10:36:30 AM »

Could a P51D, flying level and at full power do a loop at 30,000 feet (IRL)?

FLS · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2002, 10:48:26 AM »

With what fuel and armament load? It seems likely that it could at minimum weight but not at max. I'm just guessing though.

--)-FLS----
Musketeers

F4UDOA · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2002, 10:55:27 AM »

Sure.

Why not.

As long as you IAS is at the allowable speed to enter a loop. All depends on E-state.

fdiron · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2002, 11:03:09 AM »

I've never read about any accounts of P51s doing loops that high. The loop wasnt a very valid combat maneuver in WW2 though.

I did do some testing in AH. At 400mph (ground speed) at 30k with 50% fuel, the P51 can do a loop and actually gains some altitude doing it. Anything slower than 400mph causes the P51 to stall.

-ammo- · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2002, 01:09:55 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by fdiron
I've never read about any accounts of P51s doing loops that high. The loop wasnt a very valid combat maneuver in WW2 though.

I did do some testing in AH. At 400mph (ground speed) at 30k with 50% fuel, the P51 can do a loop and actually gains some altitude doing it. Anything slower than 400mph causes the P51 to stall.

Why would you want to do a loop in a combat situation that high in a P-51? No wonder we never here much about that. Its not a strength of the pony. But you should have no problem looping one at that altitude, I have immeled a P-47 at that alt more than a few times.

fdiron · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2002, 01:50:46 PM »

Just wondered if one could ammo. Also, I would say that the P51 would be better at high alt manuevers than most other aircraft of the AH planeset due to its high speed at that altitude.

Naudet · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2002, 04:14:52 PM »

fdiron, i doubt a p51 needs 400 mph to do a loop.

1st i am very astonished that the P51 gains alt during that, that would mean, it earns some E when looping. That seems to me a bid weird, but that would explaine, why a P51 can get an advantage when going over-the-top.

And about the speed, i think you can loop with the P51 once it is faster thatn 270 mph IAS, than it should work. It might not be the best looking and smoothest loop, but it will do it.

Thrawn · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2002, 04:43:41 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Naudet
1st i am very astonished that the P51 gains alt during that, that would mean, it earns some E when looping. That seems to me a bid weird, but that would explaine, why a P51 can get an advantage when going over-the-top.

Its just trading some of that 400mph for alt.

Wilbus · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2002, 05:01:34 PM »

Not "just" when at 30k.

Thrawn · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2002, 05:05:52 PM »

IAS is IAS, regardless of alt.