Loehle P 51 Mustang
experimental aircraft, Loehle P 51 Mustang experimental lightsport aircraft, P 51 Mustang
homebuilt aircraft, P 51 Mustang amateur built aircraft, Lightsport Aircraft Pilot News
newsmagazine.
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Lightsport
Aircraft Pilot is a directory of aircraft that generally fit
into what are described as ultralight aircraft, advanced ultralight
aircraft,
light sport aircraft, experimental light sport aircraft, experimental
aircraft, amateur built aircraft, ELSA or homebuilt
aircraft in the United States and Canada. These include
weight shift aircraft, more commonly known as trikes,
powered parachutes, and powered para-gliders.
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P 51 Mustang experimental
aircraft, experimental
lightsport aircraft, amateur built aircraft.
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Manufacturer/www.loehle.com
I have never met a pilot who
didn't need a drool bib when he/she got anywhere near a
Mustang (and honest-to-God Mustang aficionados seem to be
able to smell their presence from up to a mile away).
But as I'm sure you well know, unless you're the proud owner
of a fairy godmother or a self-rejuvenating bank account ?
not to mention incredible pilot skills?the real thing is
probably out of the question. That's okay, 'cuz it's still
possible for the rest of us to look like incredible studs/studettes.
The 5151 is a high-quality, easy-to-build kit produces an
aircraft that actually flies much more like a Cub than a
true Mustang. But don't get me wrong; a powerful 65-hp Rotax
582 engine gives the 5151 impressive performance. |
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The
wood-and-fabric taildragger is off the ground in 150',
climbs at 1000 fpm, cruises at 85 mph, and lands in 250'.
The stall speed is 30 mph. The standard fuel capacity is 5
gal, but, you can take it up to 13 gal. Gross weight is 900
lbs and payload with full fuel is 357 lbs. The wingspan is
27.4' length 22.8' and leight 6'. Wing loading is 6.8 lbs/sq
ft at gross weight and the structural limits are +4 and -2
G. The cabin is 24" wide and standard features include
adjustable rudder pedals.
Control pressures are mild, the effectiveness is just short
of aggressive, and the overall response is more than I
expected and better behaved, as well. The roll rate
(properly led by rudder) is pretty good, but not hot enough
to scare a neophyte (indeed, despite the response, there is
nothing at all scary about this thing). Pitch is pretty
responsive and accompanied by a delightfully positive
stability profile that is nearly matched by roll, rudder
picks up a wing nicely, I might add). The stall
is a very anti-climactic affair that comes with plenty of
high-frequency buffeting around 35 mph with the actual stall
in the neighborhood of 30 to 32 mph (real Mustangs taxi
faster than that).
With a 60 mph approach (a bit fast, I think) after a
deliciously steep slip, the Mustang came down to earth in a
typical "hot-stuff" wheel landing that was as sweet to fly
as any I have accomplished in the real thing. A
three-pointer was just as predictable and just as easy to
produce. This is a gutsy little bird.
Build time on the Mustang is 400+ hours and all of the
parts are precut and numbered. Options available for the
5151 Mustang include wheels with brakes, custom molded wing,
tail surface tips, ballistic parachute, and custom
upholstery. Other things you might consider are fiberglass
components including drop tanks, scoop intake, windshield
attachment, and fuselage fairings, to name a few. The kit
does not include the engine.
ZOOM REPORT: Don't let the appearance fool you?this
is a sheep in wolf's clothing.
 As mean as the original
Mustang may have been, the 5151 is docile and sweet-flying,
much like a Champ. It does a great job with crosswinds,
rowdy days, and cross-country exercises. The handling is
simple and uncomplicated, the stability profile is fairly
positive and rolling the canopy up on your personal Mustang
is a major rush. Best of all, it's simple to build.
Design/Engineering: B+.
Ground Handling: B+. Easier than expected.
Flight Characteristics: B+. Surprisingly docile
airplane.
Bang for the Buck: B-.
Final Grade: B+. Recommended. |
- Realistic
3/4 scale P-51 looks
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- 2 to 3
gal/hr fuel economy
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- Powerful
65 hp Rotax 582 engine
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- Spacious
cockpit for large pilots
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- Simple
wooden construction
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- Clear,
simple instructions
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- Highly
pre-machined kit parts
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- Very clean
airframe lines
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- Simple
wing and tail removal for easy
transport/storage
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- 400-500
hour kit (6 to 12 month average
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Options
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- 3-blade or
4-blade propeller
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P 51 Mustang
experimental homebuilt lightsport aircraft |
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