RCPRO P-51 Giant Scale Racing - Objectives

One-design "Spec" racing classes have proven to be very popular in R/C pylon racing as well as many other forms of racing, especially classes like the Daytona Prototypes used in automobile racing.

The P-51 has been used extensively in the Unlimited racing class at the Reno Air Races. Although they have been modified a lot, they still look like P-51 planes. The most common modification is replacement of the canopy with a smaller and sleeker canopy and turtle deck. Many different engine configurations have been used.

The RCPRO P-51 Giant Scale Racing class will use The World Models P-51 Mustang G.S. in essentially stock form. The wing and stabilizer may not be modified except for reinforcement and to fit aftermarket retracts. The wing tips may be modified for planes that are decorated in a scale color scheme, but the wing may not be "clipped". The open wing bays may be sheeted or covered. The fuselage cross section should be maintained with exception of the canopy and belly pan in the conditions listed below. The canopy and vertical stabilizer may be modified to model the Reno P-51 racers. The stock belly pan will be required, except for planes like Stiletto, Color Tile, Galloping Ghost, etc, that had it removed if the plane is decorated in a scale color scheme.

Speed will be limited by the engine displacement and technology so that this racing class can be raced on many club fields. Racing can be held on a 660' to 900' course with appropriate setbacks. The engines that will be allowed are reed valve induction gasoline burning 2 cycle engines of 38cc displacement or less. Engines must have a spark plug and no glow plug conversions are allowed. Engines do not have to be stock and may have aftermarket mufflers, tuned pipes, or velocity stacks. Pilots will provide their own fuel which may only contain gasoline and oil.

The P-51 Mustang G.S. was designed for engines in the 3 to 4 hp range and there is a good supply of gas engines in the 30cc to 38cc range at reasonable prices. Flight testing has shown the speeds to be managable for advanced intermediate pilots with this plane and engine combination. The engines fit the plane and balance when components are placed properly.