P-51D-30 - Revision history

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */ Updated

2024-06-22T15:04:11Z

‎Suspended armament: Updated

U44629479: Edits

2023-10-17T18:50:40Z

Edits

U118659507: /* Offensive armament */

2023-10-17T15:46:31Z

‎Offensive armament

U28580205 at 02:54, 20 September 2023

2023-09-20T02:54:42Z

U27346947 at 04:20, 15 September 2023

2023-09-15T04:20:04Z

U27346947 at 04:19, 15 September 2023

2023-09-15T04:19:01Z

U27346947 at 04:17, 15 September 2023

2023-09-15T04:17:23Z

U27346947 at 04:12, 15 September 2023

2023-09-15T04:12:34Z

U27346947: War Thunder Real-Time Information shows the P-51D-30 will quickly lose performance at certain altitudes, especially at high altitudes above 5000m. Made some changes to reflect that behavior better.

2023-09-15T04:09:00Z

War Thunder Real-Time Information shows the P-51D-30 will quickly lose performance at certain altitudes, especially at high altitudes above 5000m. Made some changes to reflect that behavior better.

U44629479: Edits

2023-08-14T20:15:35Z

Edits

@@ Line 136: / Line 136: @@
 |-
 ! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
-| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_P-51D-5.png]]</div>
+| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_P-51D-5.png]]</div>
 |-
 ! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
@@ Line 160: / Line 169: @@
 * 6 x M8 rockets
 * 10 x HVAR rockets
 * 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 * 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs
@@ Line 168: / Line 180: @@
 '''Offense'''
 Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and straight-line energy retention. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable. It's still a good strategy to side-climbs in order to have amble time to build up speed before engaging the enemy as the P-51D-30 does not have good acceleration. A ~10 km distance will allows the P51D to go from 250 km/h IAS to almost 400 km/h IAS in a straight line.
 When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P-51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.
@@ Line 176: / Line 188: @@
 '''Defense'''
 Contrary to popular myth, the P-51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P-51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000 m and from 3000 m to 5000 m. Besides running away, avoid dogfighting at altitude outside of these areas or P-51D-30 will not be performing at its best. Most drastic lost of performance from 2000 m to 3000 m and above 6000m . This does not means that you should not climb above 5000 m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive; though be careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P-51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
 Defensive dives are a strong suit of the P-51D as the flaps and airframe are very durable- spiral dives can easily rip the wings of more fragile Bf 109s and Spitfires. Should a pilot dare to do so and the situation allow it, a vertical dive at +500 km/h IAS will lock up almost all other fighters but the P51. Extend combat flaps and roll in a wide circle when the enemy comes within .5km to slow down and forces an overshoot. There will be a small window afterward when the enemy pull up for you to get some shots in but do not climb after the enemy for more than a few seconds, you do not have the energy for it and will stall out before they do.
 It is possible in arcade to perform Pugachev's Cobra (due to the agility at high speeds) in some situations but should not be attempted unless you are at high speed and know what you are doing as it does require a large amount of skill to pull off successfully.

@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
-* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg inner, 270 rpg outer x2 = 1,880 total) Due to the way the guns are setup the outer guns run out of ammo before the inner guns do so you only have 2 working guns once you fire off 1620 rounds.
+* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg inner, 270 rpg outer x2 = 1,880 total)
 === Suspended armament ===

@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
-* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg inner, 270 rpg outer x2 = 1,880 total)
+* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg inner, 270 rpg outer x2 = 1,880 total) Due to the way the guns are setup the outer guns run out of ammo before the inner guns do so you only have 2 working guns once you fire off 1620 rounds.
 === Suspended armament ===

@@ Line 166: / Line 166: @@
 '''Offense'''
-Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and straight-line energy retention. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable. It's still be a good strategy to side-climbs in order to have amble time to build up speed before engaging the enemy as the P51D-30 does not have good acceleration. A ~10km distance will allows the P51D to go from 250 km/h IAS to almost 400 km/h IAS in a straight line.
+Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and straight-line energy retention. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable. It's still a good strategy to side-climbs in order to have amble time to build up speed before engaging the enemy as the P-51D-30 does not have good acceleration. A ~10 km distance will allows the P51D to go from 250 km/h IAS to almost 400 km/h IAS in a straight line.
 When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P-51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.
@@ Line 174: / Line 174: @@
 '''Defense'''
-Contrary to popular myth, the P51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000m and from 3000m to 5000m. Besides running away, avoid dogfighting at altitude outside of these areas or P51D-30 will not be performing at its best. Most drastic lost of performance from 2000m to 3000m and above 6000m. This does not means that you should not climb above 5000m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive- careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
+Contrary to popular myth, the P-51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P-51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000 m and from 3000 m to 5000 m. Besides running away, avoid dogfighting at altitude outside of these areas or P-51D-30 will not be performing at its best. Most drastic lost of performance from 2000 m to 3000 m and above 6000m . This does not means that you should not climb above 5000 m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive; though be careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P-51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
 Defensive dives are a strong suit of the P-51D as the flaps and airframe are very durable- spiral dives can easily rip the wings of more fragile Bf 109s and Spitfires. Should a pilot dare to do so and the situation allow it, a vertical dive at +500 km/h IAS will lock up almost all other fighters but the P51. Extend combat flaps and roll in a wide circle when the enemy comes within .5km to slow down and forces an overshoot. There will be a small window afterward when the enemy pull up for you to get some shots in but do not climb after the enemy for more than a few seconds, you do not have the energy for it and will stall out before they do.

@@ Line 174: / Line 174: @@
 '''Defense'''
-Contrary to popular myth, the P51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000m and from 3000m to 5000m with drastic pressure lost at 2000m-3000m and from 6000m above. Besides running away, avoid dogfighting at altitude outside of these areas or P51D-30 will not be performing at its best. This does not means that you should not climb above 5000m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive- careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
+Contrary to popular myth, the P51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000m and from 3000m to 5000m. Besides running away, avoid dogfighting at altitude outside of these areas or P51D-30 will not be performing at its best. Most drastic lost of performance from 2000m to 3000m and above 6000m. This does not means that you should not climb above 5000m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive- careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
 Defensive dives are a strong suit of the P-51D as the flaps and airframe are very durable- spiral dives can easily rip the wings of more fragile Bf 109s and Spitfires. Should a pilot dare to do so and the situation allow it, a vertical dive at +500 km/h IAS will lock up almost all other fighters but the P51. Extend combat flaps and roll in a wide circle when the enemy comes within .5km to slow down and forces an overshoot. There will be a small window afterward when the enemy pull up for you to get some shots in but do not climb after the enemy for more than a few seconds, you do not have the energy for it and will stall out before they do.

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
-In-game, the P-51D-30 runs a 75" boost that allows it to outspeed nearly every single vehicle at 5.0 BR. It possesses an excellent climb rate and good high-speed handling which makes it extremely well suited for Boom and Zoom. Additionally, bombs and rockets can be carried making the P-51 a good ground striker in Ground RB.
+In-game, the P-51D-30 runs a 75" boost that allows it to outspeed nearly every single vehicle at 5.0 BR. It possesses an above-average climb rate and good high-speed handling which makes it extremely well suited for Boom and Zoom. Additionally, bombs and rockets can be carried making the P-51 a good ground striker in Ground RB.
 Use this plane as a Boom & Zoom fighter. Altitude and speed are your biggest friends while in combat. The P-51D has a laminar flow wing, hence it is fast and very agile at high speeds. The laminar flow wing reduces drag especially when going fast, which means that the aircraft turns best at high speeds. The P-51D out-dives nearly all opponents at 5.0, and is also very agile at high speeds. The plane has great endurance with its 1,880 rounds of ammo and 31 minutes of fuel minimum. Use this to your advantage.
-It has a very high stall speed. You'd be better off to not stall in this plane. Only do it when necessary and when you know you're safe to do it. The P-51D-30 is not a turn fighter but is definitely manoeuvrable enough to dogfight at high speed. Optimal climb speed is 280 km/h IAS with WEP and should be decreased by 5 km/h every 1,500 m altitude. The flaps are so strong you can deploy them in pretty much any situation in a dogfight. And even at 600+ km/h IAS, it takes a little bit of time for your flaps to break, takeoff flaps can be deployed at up to 510 km/h IAS.
+It has a very high stall speed. You'd be better off to not stall in this plane. Only do it when necessary and when you know you're safe to do it. The P-51D-30 is not a turn fighter but is definitely manoeuvrable enough to dogfight at high speed. Optimal climb speed is 250 km/h IAS with WEP. The flaps are so strong you can deploy them in pretty much any situation in a dogfight. And even at 600+ km/h IAS, it takes a little bit of time for your flaps to break, takeoff flaps can be deployed at up to 510 km/h IAS.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"

@@ Line 154: / Line 154: @@
 {{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 * Without load
 * 6 x M8 rockets
@@ Line 165: / Line 166: @@
 '''Offense'''
-Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and energy retention. In game and in real life the P-51D achieves ideal performance above 7 km; however, even at low altitudes, the P-51 is still incredibly fast. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable.
+Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and straight-line energy retention. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable. It's still be a good strategy to side-climbs in order to have amble time to build up speed before engaging the enemy as the P51D-30 does not have good acceleration. A ~10km distance will allows the P51D to go from 250 km/h IAS to almost 400 km/h IAS in a straight line.
 When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P-51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.
@@ Line 172: / Line 173: @@
 '''Defense'''
-Defensive dives are a strong suit of the P-51D as the flaps and airframe are very durable- spiral dives can easily rip the wings of more fragile Bf 109s and Spitfires.
+Contrary to popular myth, the P51D-30 is not a good high-altitude fighter in-game. The P51D-30 will maintain maximum manifold pressure from sea level to 1000m and from 3000m to 5000m. Avoid fighting at altitude outside of these areas or P51D-30 will not be performing at its best. This does not means that you should not climb above 5000m. Always climbs as high as you can before engaging the enemy or running away as diving from altitude is the only way to quickly get above 500 km/h IAS. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive- careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed. Almost all planes will reliably get to 600 km/h IAS in a dive but only few like the P51 can get up to and beyond 700 km/h IAS.
 It is possible in arcade to perform Pugachev's Cobra (due to the agility at high speeds) in some situations but should not be attempted unless you are at high speed and know what you are doing as it does require a large amount of skill to pull off successfully.
@@ Line 209: / Line 211: @@
 * Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
 * Above average climb rate
 * Very high top speed at all altitudes
@@ Line 222: / Line 223: @@
 * Fragile and catches fire easily
 * Sluggish manoeuvrability at low speeds
-* Poor rudder control makes aiming difficult
+* Poor high-speed rudder control makes aiming difficult
 * High stall speed (166 km/h)
 * Minimum fuel load is rather big (weighs the plane down)
 == History ==

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.33#09.08.2013|Update 1.33.27.0]].
-The P-51D was a further development of earlier Allison-engined P51s in that it received the excellent Rolls-Royce Merlin engine which gave it excellent high-altitude performance. This, combined with excellent endurance, made the P51 well-suited for bomber escort duties.
+The P-51D was a further development of earlier Allison-engined P-51s in that it received the excellent Rolls-Royce Merlin engine which gave it excellent high-altitude performance. This, combined with excellent endurance, made the P-51 well-suited for bomber escort duties.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
-In-game, the P-51D-30 runs a 75" boost that allows it to outspeed nearly every single vehicle at 5.0 BR. It possesses an excellent climb rate and good high-speed handling which makes it extremely well suited for Boom and Zoom. Additionally, bombs and rockets can be carried making the P51 a good ground striker in Ground RB.
+In-game, the P-51D-30 runs a 75" boost that allows it to outspeed nearly every single vehicle at 5.0 BR. It possesses an excellent climb rate and good high-speed handling which makes it extremely well suited for Boom and Zoom. Additionally, bombs and rockets can be carried making the P-51 a good ground striker in Ground RB.
 Use this plane as a Boom & Zoom fighter. Altitude and speed are your biggest friends while in combat. The P-51D has a laminar flow wing, hence it is fast and very agile at high speeds. The laminar flow wing reduces drag especially when going fast, which means that the aircraft turns best at high speeds. The P-51D out-dives nearly all opponents at 5.0, and is also very agile at high speeds. The plane has great endurance with its 1,880 rounds of ammo and 31 minutes of fuel minimum. Use this to your advantage.
@@ Line 167: / Line 167: @@
 Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and energy retention. In game and in real life the P-51D achieves ideal performance above 7 km; however, even at low altitudes, the P-51 is still incredibly fast. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 km/h IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable.
-When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.
+When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P-51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.
 When engaging enemy bombers, aim for engines and wings. A good burst will rip off wings with ease and/or start several fires.