Jim Stewart's S-51D KitPlane.

Here are some spec's and photos of an all aluminum 70% Scale Mustang KitPlane that blew my shorts off at the last 2 "Fun & Sun Fly-In's" in Lakeland Fl. Look em' over and I'm pretty sure you'll like this bird.

Specifications:

Wingspan...........26.75 ft.
Length................22.33 ft.
Height................9.33 ft.
Cabin Width......24 Inches.
Seats...................2
Fuel Capacity....68 Gallons.

Propeller:

Hartzell four blade, constant speed, aluminum, 91-inch diameter. 2.13:1 reduction ratio.

Engine:

General Motors 454 HO fuel injected, liquid cooled, dual ignition, V8. This engine had three ignition systems with the addition of a special distributor and battery backup, and Byers aluminum heads with 2 spark plugs per cylinder. At idle of around 700 to 800 rpm it sounds a lot like a Merlin.

Performance:

Cruise, 70% power.................250 mph at 7000 ft.
Fuel consumption at cruise....17-18 gph.
Range.....................................670 n.m.
ROC, sea level.......................2780 fpm.
Service Ceiling.......................24,700 ft.
Stall speed...............................63 knots.

This Kit does a great job of copying the P51D and a lot of the structure follows the NAA plans. The S51D also has a neat set of "fake" exhaust manifolds (to look like a 12 cylinder Merlin), functional,thermostatically controlled belly scoop with aft door, and ceconite covered rudder. With the Normandy Stripes and the all aluminum construction.. this is as close as most could ever hope to come! It is obviously not a simple project.. nor is it cheap. Base Kit price is around $55,000. It's a lot of fun though, attracts tons of attention.. makes a great AirShow performer and gives me a woody.
Check it out.........

- S51D Taxis- 96k JPG

- S51D Taxis- 66k JPG

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