Photo of the Day: A P-51 Mustang, An F-22A Raptor

SUN 'n FUN 2011 Air Show, Florida, USA ^ | April 3, 2011 | Chris Hagood Photography

[EnjoyingLife]

1024 x 680 pixels . . . 3188 x 2117 pixels . . . via http://www.flickr.com/photos/chagood/6747365813/  

[zeugma]

“The F-22 pilot can maintain control of the aircraft at speeds as low as that of a Piper Cub or at very high supersonic speeds.”

Awesome. Want one!

[US_MilitaryRules]

Great pic! It looks like a dinosaur and a space alien.

[50mm]

This particular P-51 was converted from a single seat P-51D to a two seat TF-51D.

Read here at Stallion 51

[ConservativeWarrior]

I wonder if 100 years from now someone will look back at that picture and consider both aircraft from roughly the same era.

[50mm]

My father flew the P-51, the subsonic F-86 and several early supersonic jets including the F-100 and F-104 in the USAF. He always said he much preferred flying the P-51.

[PilotDave]

The F-22 is huge compared to a P-51. I always like the P-51/F-16 formation photos. Very similar in size and layout.

[50mm]

The F-22 is huge compared to a P-51.

That's what had me fooled. I was unaware of the huge difference until I researched. Photos can be deceptive without context and visual cues.

[The Great RJ]

My photo of a P-38 and F-22 flyby taken at an airshow in 2009.

[BigpapaBo]

Look at the shadows on the F22 tail section, then look at the lack of shadow anywhere on the P-51. I think it was P-shopped

[exit82]

Don’t feel bad—I thought the first one was wrong.

The first photo still looks unsafe for the Mustang—your version makes me feel better. Use of a telephoto lens may
make the distance appear shortened.

Hard to believe the P-51D Mustang was designed almost 70 years ago. It truly is one of the most beautiful objects designed by man. Even parked on the tarmac, it takes your breath away.

[50mm]

Remember, the F-22 has a Y-tail that has a steep angle. From the looks of it, the sun in the picture is high and toward the nose of the aircraft. The F-22 only has a significant shadow below the port side tail.

I zoomed in on the Hi-Res version of the photo and found no unusual artifacts. I'm convinced the photo is real.

[50mm]

I’ve got a P-51 flight on my bucket list. You can get an hour of flight time, including taking the stick, for around $3000.

[ConservativeWarrior]

Your father was a lucky man.

Taking a Mustang for a spin is high on my list of “Things to do if I Make it to Heaven.” (haha)

[50mm]

Your father was a lucky man.

Lucky to survive to retirement after flying the F-104 "Widow Maker." LOL

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

[Nice!Either the mustang was hauling ass, or the raptor was about to stall!]

Not at all! The Mustang can easily maintain 450 mph and the Raptor can land and take off at under 150. The Raptor was flying quite comfortably in the photo. The Mustang was effortlessly cruising.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

I agree, that prop indicates the last and most powerful engine/thrust combination that the P-51 was upgraded to. (I believe it was 1800 HP?) There are also some newer racing mods that surpass those improvements.

[50mm]

The P-51H could generate full throttle 2270 HP for short periods of time, but was rated continuous maximum at 1380HP. I think the engine overheats at continuous max power.

Specs at link

[exit82]

I’ve got a P-51 flight on my bucket list. You can get an hour of flight time, including taking the stick, for around $3000.

I hope you fly one someday. Share the pics,OK?

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

In my earlier Alaska flying days, I belonged to a flight club that owned a P-51D. I have logged just over 20 hours in one.

Believe me, if you can ever swing it, do whatever you have to FLY ONE before you pass on! You won't be disappointed!

The second you hit the switch, the sound of that power plant coming to life, and the sound it makes in the Cockpit will make you just want to sit and listen for a while, before you even lead the throttle in to taxi.

You can't go to full throttle either, until your takeoff roll is about half way complete. The torque and “P” factor is violent if you make the mistake of throttling up too quickly.

But once she is in the air, you will be awe stricken at the ease and beauty of this tremendous aircraft. Nothing handles as smoothly or gracefully. The engine and airframe are as one, and the response is indescribable.

The P-51 is somewhat prone to drift off of trim, so it is important to stay on top of it, since they are hard to handle if they are out of trim. Especially when landing. Wheel landings can be rather squirrely, (Because of the small vertical stabilizer and rudder) so it is best to flare long and touch the runway in a semi-three point. The nose also blocks out most of your forward vision after the tail wheel touches down. So be sure you master a side vision landing/taxi technique before you fly one.

This is no aircraft for a limited tricycle geared trainee either. It will eat your lunch in a big hurry. Nothing but the most experienced conventional gear pilots should attempt to solo in one.

But even so, you sound like you have the necessary experience to handle it. Good luck in your pursuit! You will love that decision. I guarantee it.

[Little Ray]

The Mustang is prettier...