27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Hi,

I'm starting building a 27% scale Mustang P-51 D.

Just wondering which airfoil would be the best for this aircraft as if I reproduce a "scale laminar airfoil" from the original probably it will not fly well.

The airplane will have wing span 122" and it will be powered by a 200cc engine.


Any advice ?



Thanks.


Roger.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

At the size you are considering you can use the original foil without any problems.
Evan, WB #12.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

I'd hedge my bets and run the scale airfoil through Xfoil at the sort of reynolds numbers you expect and see if it actually does work out as well at the model's expected Reynolds number range or not. Likely it would be just fine and replicate the full size wing's performance at higher speeds. But some of those types of airfoils fall apart pretty quickly when they get down to lower reynolds numbers. If the scale airfoil for the P51 is one of those it would be nice to see it before you select it for the build.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

The airfoil is not that important - you can use it and if you make the all up weight reasonable - it will work as well as any model airplane foil.
A good reason for this fat shape -is to get the wheels up into the correct location for scale appearance
On full scale Mustang - later models used different wings

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Hi Roger,

I agree whole heartedly with rmh's statement above. Building light and straight provide for much bigger benefits to flight performance than the airfoil chosen, within reason of course. The laminar flow airfoil of the Mustang is really not that radical and has been used successfully on much smaller models of the P-51 than what you are building. I recently completed the design for a 1/4 scale P-51D which is as scale as my documentation and research would allow, including the airfoil. Best of luck with your big 'stang and please put up a build thread somewhere. Love to see some pics.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...112_SHEET1.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3..._3DMODEL-1.jpg

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Hi Chad,

Thanks for the input.

Roger.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Nice drawing, Chad.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Thank you John for the compliment. It is particularly nice to receive coming from a recognised name in the scale fraternity.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Hi Chad,
Is it possible to buy a set of your drawings? (on paper or -better- in a file form)
Thanks.

RE: 27% - P-51 Mustang Airfoil
 

Hi Roberto,

Send me an email at the addy below and we can discuss it.

Chad Veich
[email protected]