Megatech's P-51D Mustang-One Potent Pony!

Model Airplane News, Jun 2003 by Robinson, Martin

Megatech's P-51D Mustang-one potent pony!

The Mustang has been re-created many times in RC aircraft, but Megatech has made its quick-building little Mustang ARF one of the easiest to construct while maintaining a scale appearance. If you want to fly a great-looking, backyard-size warbird that requires little assembly time, the Megatech Mustang is definitely worth a look.

ASSEMBLY

After I installed the radio, servos and a few screws and tape, it was time to attach the 4-blade propeller that's included with the kit. Most other Mustang models' scale appearances are marred when it comes to the propeller, but the 4-blade prop really finishes off this model. The ball-bearing-supported gear reduction on the Speed 400 motor provides ample power behind this prop.

FLYING THE MUSTANG

For the first flight, I had a helper hand-launch the Mustang. The motor is very powerful, and the model almost flies out of your hand. You need to give it a running throw, or it will be difficult to control until it reaches flying speed. It's also necessary to give it a good, straight-and-level throw. After the plane reached full flying speed, I trimmed it out with a little down-elevator and right rudder to achieve straight and level flight. After the trim had been dialed in, I felt comfortable launching the model myself.

I pulled back on the elevator after the Mustang reached flying speed and was impressed by its climbing performance. The 8-cell Ni-Cd battery pack I used provided more than enough power for the weight. At full throttle, it climbs indefinitely at about 25 degrees. I found myself backing off on the throttle more than I do with some other park flyers; I enjoy any electric plane that has more than enough power.

The Mustang comes with rudder and elevator control; both have good authority once the plane gains some airspeed. At full throttle, the Mustang really screams; at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, it slows down yet still has plenty of power to stay in the air. Light gusts were no problem, and up to 10mph winds still wouldn't be a concern. The assembly manual includes step-by-step instructions to add optional ailerons, and they would make it more maneuverable and give finer control, but make sure that you use the lightest servo you can find. Stalls are level and uneventful and give plenty of opportunity to recover without incident.

I made the first couple of flights in a large field, then moved to a smaller area about the size of a soccer field. I had fun doing strafing runs, hammerheads and loops. Landings are completely uneventful, as long as you keep the airspeed up until the plane is a couple of feet above the ground. Then just cut the throttle and let it glide down and land on its belly. The fuselage is made of a durable plastic, as is the air scoop under the wing. They are tough enough to take an unlimited number of landings on grass. The plane will land on dirt or pavement just fine, as long as you don't mind a few scratches on the fuselage.

The Megatech Mustang is probably the fastest-building ARF that I have ever worked with. It went from box to ready to fly in less than 2 hours. The pre-applied decals and the 4-blade propeller add to its scale appearance, but the real payoff is in the air. Given its small size and scale dimensions, this little Mustang's handling is really impressive. The level of convenience, scale look and satisfying performance all add up to a winning combination for any backyard flier who has a fondness for the legendary P-51 Mustang.