Engines difference

[Artur]

Is there any difference between Merlin engines simulation implemented in Spitfire and P51 ?

Thanks
Artur

[HE11DUDE04]

Yes they are different engines but made by the same company. The P 51 engine came later and is more advanced and easier to cool and the spitfire one is more primal and requires more thinking to keep it cool.

[Nick - A2A]

Hello Artur,

Yes, lots of differences and in fact they're different engine made by different companies: the V-1650 in the P-51D was built under licence in the US by the Packard Motor Car Company.

The Merlin in the Spitfire I and II uses a single-speed, single-stage supercharger, and in the case of the Merlin Mk.II in the early Mk.I Spits, develops some 1030 hp. The Packard V-1650 Merlin in the P-51D (which is essential a licence built Merlin XX) has a two-speed supercharger and produces closer to 1400 hp.

And, as HE11DUDE04 says, it's not just the engine itself which is different but the cooling system in the P-51 is vastly more sophisticated. There are also very significant differences in things like the design of the propeller too.

So, in short, there are loads of differences which are simulated.

Thanks,
Nick

[Artur]

thanks for answers, that will help me to make my choice

[Skycat]

Arthur, way back when when these were being developed and I was most eager for the P-51 (and least interested in the Spitfire) I bought the Spitfire to give support and because it was completed first. I'm glad I did because it is a very interesting, challenging and fun aircraft to fly. The overall package is fantastic and arguably the best of the A2A fighters. I love the P-51 also, but if I had to rank the products by their "special sauce" the Spitfire would be #1, followed by P-40 and P-47, then P-51. But that's just my opinion.

[HE11DUDE04]

Hello Artur,

Yes, lots of differences and in fact they're different engine made by different companies: the V-1650 in the P-51D was built under licence in the US by the Packard Motor Car Company.

The Merlin in the Spitfire I and II uses a single-speed, single-stage supercharger, and in the case of the Merlin Mk.II in the early Mk.I Spits, develops some 1030 hp. The Packard V-1650 Merlin in the P-51D (which is essential a licence built Merlin XX) has a two-speed supercharger and produces closer to 1400 hp.

And, as HE11DUDE04 says, it's not just the engine itself which is different but the cooling system in the P-51 is vastly more sophisticated. There are also very significant differences in things like the design of the propeller too.

So, in short, there are loads of differences which are simulated.

Thanks,
Nick

I genuinely thought they were both Rolls Royce I should probably do more research lol

[Artur]

Today i have bought P51 civilian, cause i like cross country flights, so autopilot and modern avionics prevailed.
I am more than sure that Spit sooner or later will stay in my hangar next to P51

[HE11DUDE04]

Today i have bought P51 civilian, cause i like cross country flights, so autopilot and modern avionics prevailed.
I am more than sure that Spit sooner or later will stay in my hangar next to P51

Good choice I have both P 51's but strongly prefer the Mil but may start flying the civ in the future