Review of the ScaleWings SW-51 Mustang

Thank you to Flying Eyes for sponsoring this video. Use the link and code DOZEN for 10% off at checkout. 👉 flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=DOZEN
The SW-51 Mustang is an accurate 70% true-to-scale replica of the legendary P-51 Mustang. It features a sleek all-carbon design and over 100,000 textures from the original aircraft, making it a true tribute to aviation history. The plane is equipped with a Rotax engine, a Garmin G3X glass cockpit, and an optional rescue system for added safety. With impressive performance capabilities, including a fast climb rate and high top speed, the SW-51 Mustang is a top choice for pilots looking for a classic yet cutting-edge aircraft.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - The custom carbon fiber mold details
1:31 - How does it fly?
2:54 - Flying the SW-51 at Reno Air Races
3:22 - Crosswind landings
4:00 - Flying cross country and flight time
4:38 - The Rotax engine
6:29 - The air scoop
7:14 - The iconic P-51 sound
7:31 - The strength of the wings
8:24 - Landing gear
10:18 - The wheels
10:45 - Brakes
11:32 - The cockpit
12:31 - The canopy
13:10 - Inner gear doors
13:40 - The ballistic rescue system
14:02 - Who is the SW-51 for?
14:32 - Kit assembly and build time
15:11 - Pricing
15:41 - The best part of the SW-51
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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

[@DozenDuzit]

Thank you to Flying Eyes for sponsoring this video. Use the link and code DOZEN for 10% off at checkout. 👉 flyingeyesoptics.com/eyewear/?ref=DOZEN

[@lovetofly32]

Weeellllp.. gonna head down to the local 24/7 and get me a couple powerballs...

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

You and me both!! :D

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Only way to afford one.

[@mmancino1982]

Right!?

[@jamesburns2232]

I hope you didn't do what I did. I bet on the Eagles to win Super Bowl 57. Drat! No SW-51 for me for a while! I lost big time. 🤑🤠

[@JesbaamSanchez]

I saw an interview that the quick build itself is in the $20-30k not including the avionics, engine, etc... so maybe it's 100k at most

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

I CANNOT wait for some legend to stick a V12 in this! That will be the cherry on top. Bigger prop, and more sound!

[@Grarder]

That is about the coolest kit plane I've ever seen! I wish someone would do a P-38.

[@nickrockz97]

agreed! or from the other side a bf-109 would be sweet too.

[@Grarder]

@@nickrockz97 so many great options! Could build a whole fleet of reproduction warbirds.

[@ryan0U]

It'd be some damn expensive but so cool at the same time to have a scale P-38.

[@Grarder]

@@ryan0U I can't even afford this thing, but it would be a cool dream. 😂

[@50shadesofcerakote]

Whole time I was thinking a P-39/-63 would be pretty badass 😅

[@stevebutters306]

Very nice to see history kept alive, never heard of these before. Keeping originals flying is getting harder and harder so if we can have replicas like this that's awesome.

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

It is a smaller scale model, not a replica

[@BARelement]

1,200lbs is insane considering the actual thing was 9,000lbs to 10,000lbs when combat loaded!

[@mmancino1982]

I wonder what kind of payload this would have considering the rigidity of the carbon fiber

[@mill2712]

​@@mmancino1982 I always had this thought experiment in my mind on if for some reason modern aviation companies and individuals found themselves making and selling weapons to ww2 like era factions (Think of something like the anime GATE but the portal leads to a ww2ish setting.) how much better could they make the war machines all while being as cheap or as simple to make and maintain.

[@griffinbrungraber9498]

This is lighter, but it’s also scaled down, correct?

[@brentbauer8258]

Stunning, it is about time! Bring back a ww2 scale collection.

[@caas6162]

These cinematics are unreal. Great video!

[@DozenDuzit]

Thank you. Please share! 🙏 We are still a very new channel.

[@ncktbs]

this was really well timed just saw a picture of this plane this evening and found your video was released today just perfect timing

[@wesleywlee]

I got to see this plane in person at the Reno Air Races this year. Beautiful plane, super nice people. I really hope to see them in ‘23

[@juliannegallo6816]

This was a great video. You did a great job. Enjoyed learning about this plane. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.❤️

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

Great in depth review, this one is definitely on my bucket list! It's either this or the JMB VL3 Evolution. With the JMB, it is similar price and engine, but fully assembled and side by side seating. Glad to hear of your positive experience!

[@DozenDuzit]

Yes. The JMB looks like a really sweet airplane. I want to fly one and test it out for sure. The numbers (speeds) they are talking about are wild for a rotax. It looks like an amazing cross country airplane. How much is it? It depends on your mission I think. If you are using the airplane as a exclusive cross country airplane, the JMB looks great. If you are looking for something fun on the weekends, unmatched ramp appeal, and to feel like you are flying a warbird, then it’s the SW-51. Totally depends on your mission and desires.

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

@@DozenDuzit The JBM, depending on how you spec it, is around $300K fully assembled. They've also just delivered their 500th model, so needless to say, they've had a lot of opportunities to refine the product and deal with all the niggles. But you are right, it really comes down to what I want to do with the plane and how I want to use it. For me, my use at the moment, will be a sunny day run and gun, with occasional cross country or weekend getaways. Still a big chunk of money to put down, as well as it is also a kit. So lots to consider, including build time. Cheers for your reply!!

[@derekpeterson8005]

Very cool! Thank you for sharing your time, talent and experience!

[@Splint993]

Really cool plane! Hope they continue making other classic fighter designs as well!

[@daenglishpatient]

Dozen, great review, Sir. Clear, refreshingly honest, informative, succinct. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@foesfly3047]

The rural airfield (with the lake) much of this was filmed at, looks phenomenal!!! 😍

[@DozenDuzit]

5M5 is the airport code for Crystal Lake. One of our favorite places!

[@alwaysflying6540]

Wow, its beautiful. The lines the paint everything is perfect

[@scottsummers6357]

This was a really fun video to watch, I subscribed!

[@twistcut]

Beautiful aircraft and great vid. Most interesting thing for me was when you mentioned you live in Bidville. My great, great grandfather settled there on the mountain and it still bears the family name.

[@ModemMT]

Hell yea, saw this fly at AirVenture last year, it’s so cool, took a picture in front of this exact plane actually! She’s such a stunner!

[@andrebotes697]

Hi, what's your take on the outside visibility from inside the cockpit? It seems that the jockey sits quite deep and has limited view of the ground from the sides. The back seats seems even worse in the video

[@T_157-40]

Great video and you answered my questions.

[@swango1]

I've been waiting for a video of this plane after I saw it at OSH this past summer. Awesome video, my friend. If I had a cool $300k to spend on a toy, this would be the one!

[@corvettekindor]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing dozen!

[@DozenDuzit]

Thanks for watching!

[@m118lr]

“BEAUTIFUL, exquisite,”..doesn’t EVEN begin to describe THIS plane. “Plane” doesn’t even come close! What an awesome aircraft/project..just phenomenal! I’d be terrified to fly it at all (PRIOR helo pilot). Best vid I’ll see for a LONG time..

[@badkarma445]

Incredible replica!

[@mikedegnan5252]

That's awesome! I have always loved the vintage warbirds. It would be sweet if they made a Corsair like that!

[@fox2102]

Just found your channel and it's seriously under rated. I've loved the idea of the sw51 since they first announced it years and years ago. I love what they've done with it. Still a bit out of my price range but super cool plane.

[@DozenDuzit]

Welcome aboard!

[@courtneyroy782]

Awesome video! Thanks (Lafayette, LA)

[@Pika_Gabe]

This is super cool! I really hope I can get a private pilot's license once I get through college. I love flying rc stuff a whole lot, but learning to fly a real plane would be an awesome experience!

[@eliasreisinger3630]

Hey man, your videos are awesome keep it up! Thanks for doing these great "reviews".

[@DozenDuzit]

Thank you Elias!

[@YARCHLRL]

Man, I love that little strip right on the lake.... So jealous lol.

[@MQ9Guy]

You said Bentonville, and I subscribed. I’m out of Ft Smith, working on my PPL in Sallisaw!

[@robertwalker2568]

I absolutely love your aircraft and the video.

[@LandYacht]

Great job!

[@Flightstar]

Cool to have all that flying experience at such a young age. Looks like your son too, was really digg'n the flight.

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@billmcgarry3300]

Excellent video and man I want one too!😊

[@TheFlyingStampede]

Such a beautiful bird! Would love to build one of these!

[@haroldmclean3755]

Looks Really Really Good 👍 Very interesting indeed

[@Ackermanmedia]

I am fully going to build and fly that airplane. I am super excited about what aviation will morph into over the next 20 years.

[@RedFail1-1]

Can you afford it? Do you have a license that allows for acrobatics?

[@kirk189]

Really cool I had a RV-8 but this is always what I wanted

[@huskyflylangley6053]

Great ship! Would love to see a P-47 with a Verner Scarlett 9. Personally I love to fly the AN-2, it's a camping bus for 8-10 of your best friends!😃

[@PhilipBlank]

What a sick machine!

[@hugechimp]

EXCELLENT. TY.

[@GamerUniverse64]

Came over from your IG channel. Glad to see you finally transitioned to long form videos! The dog fighting video is still one of my favorites!

[@DozenDuzit]

Thanks man. Appreciate it.

[@GamerUniverse64]

@@DozenDuzit anytime! Looking forward what you’ll bring to the channel in 2023!

[@GamerUniverse64]

@@DozenDuzit this kind of content is pretty entertaining (plus he’s an actual F-16 pilot who asked people to let him know if they want to dogfight on DCS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3bYYZR3obKAg6s

[@BrentT70]

Thanks for making this video! There isn’t enough content on the SW51 out there. Does it have inverted fuel/oil systems or are you limited to +g aerobatics?

[@DozenDuzit]

There isn’t a lot of content because it’s brand new to market. I’ll do my best to answer. The Rotax does not have inverted fuel/oil. If I remember correctly, neither did the Original P-51. This airplane is ideal for basic aerobatics, but if you are wanting to do outside maneuvers, I’d recommend either find a different plane (Extra/Gamebird/ect) or since it experimental, find a solution to the problem with a different engine. The airframe is plenty strong, the only limit right now is a reliable engine that can fit in the cowling. I am actually really excited to see what innovative customers do to their airplanes to continue to evolve it.

[@vitorcardoso8875]

I was about to ask the same. Was wondering if this plane could do some loops and barrels to make the fun even better.

[@debbiestimac5175]

Just a quick jargon tip, when you mention "getting behind the aircraft" most here thought you meant getting into pilot's seat, flying it. You want to be ahead of the airplane/jet as much as possible, but they didn't get what a bad position it is to be behind it. Ahead of the airplane, "We are going to tickle the rudders here... moderate crosswind on landing...into the crab... feel that buffet...rudder in... touchdown!" Behind the airplane means you are about to ground loop...by not observing what is about to happen or not trained to know what is about to happen, not getting into a proper crosswind approach attitude/control inputs, and an example. Great vid, man those ducks did not see you coming, across that pond. "Wait, is that a Mustang, why is he setting up for a water landing? On top of us! What the quack!!! Everyone scatter!" 🤣

[@blankip3634]

This thing is rad

[@Tom-xn7zc]

What a beauty

[@StormtrooperGary117]

Love the video! Getting my PPL now and this is a dream plane. Although the rotax is enough I’d love a v12 in there for the functional pipes! See you say the avionics are just ok. What avionics would you recommend?

[@DozenDuzit]

Keep the dream alive AJ. The avionics that I was talking about were only used in SN01. In fact it even that airplane is being upgraded with Garmin. Options for traditional avionics (6 pack style) or the most advanced G3X are available.

[@T25de]

Looks like a dream !

[@turkey0165]

Very nice, someday somebody will make a full scale Mustang or something else! Keep on Flying! 👍

[@xyzaero9656]

There're dozens of full scale Mustangs under construction and some 150+ Mustangs flying of which most of their structure is new built.

[@N14VE]

Ok, this might have to be our next build... This looks like such a fun plane to fly.

[@N75911_]

Seen a lot of 3/4 P-51s, and this one is definitely one of the coolest. I'm curious if they would ever consider making a scaled down P-47, or F4U

[@chrishickman9738]

Or a FW190 :)

[@RedFail1-1]

Would you actually buy one or do you just want to watch someone on KZbin flying them

[@drjpica]

Unbelievable review! You are great. I’m not qualified to ask this but how much of an issue is the propeller shaft in the future if you want to mount variable (more powerful) power plants? And what do you think would be the optimal, piston driven engine with regard to the attainment of the “ultimate” performance envelope.

[@MustangVirtualAerobatics]

this is an amazing replica, my only gripe is the length of the Propellers being a bit too short for my taste but I'm that can be fixed with a 1:1 recreation of the propellers size

[@DuncanFPV]

Great Video!

[@DozenDuzit]

Thank you!

[@Ironman-33]

Dozen, thanks for your service man! Great review video. Where can I buy one?

[@DozenDuzit]

Check out the ScaleWing website and submit a inquiry. They are catching up on the demand right now but hopefully they will be able to get back to you quickly though.

[@Ironman-33]

@@DozenDuzit Awesome! Happy New Year! Thanks again and God bless you!

[@richardwilson6738]

Interested!!! Even more interested in the "drop tank" option when or if coming to fruition.... maybe a five-hour flight/1,000-mile flight time? Obviously, a fair-weather VFR fun ride, but, then again, that's when you want everyone to see and hear it! lol Far cheaper than a Thunder Mustang!

[@scottbalke7239]

Are there any plans for a full scale version?

[@pipcop]

Seeing your young man in the back seat was worth the price of admission ! Do you know if the leading edge of the vertical fin is offset to port side by 1 degree or there a bouts ?

[@Mike_294]

What an amazing plane! I'm surprised to hear that there's one here in Florida. Would the owner be willing to offer other pilots the opportunity to fly it?

[@several8842]

Very cool plane! I’m wondering what the runway length is required to takeoff and land in it?

[@matthewchapman3507]

I've wanted to see a review of this aircraft since I saw it on your social media!

[@DozenDuzit]

Good. I Hope it was informative. Always looking to get better. Let me know if there was anything I left out.

[@matthewchapman3507]

@@DozenDuzit It was! Nothing that I noticed. Pretty much answered all of the surface questions that I had when I first saw this plane👍

[@Gforcemtb]

Want it 😮❤

[@ins344]

Great review of a beautiful aircraft. Just wondering, does anyone know why it was scaled down to 70% instead of 1:1?

[@pilotmiami1]

bravo.bravisimo

[@Farmer_1776]

Going to take me a few years for this be in the hangar.

[@timstewart2468]

Sold!😁Motivated to go earn the dollars and then retire so I have time to build. Been following the videos from the manufacturer which are technically informative, but this is the best all-round vid on this plane. I currently fly a Bristell with the little brother 912 engine, and I can absolutely believe this thing would really get up and go with the 915, as well as being economical to operate and super reliable, and that explanation and clip of the sound - wow. The extra weight and cost of putting in a chevy seems like overkill. 2 questions you didn't address: (1) Can this thing potentially be equipped IFR and (2) what are the armament options? OK, joking about that second one... 🤭

[@DozenDuzit]

Awesome!

[@rolnthunder6737]

At 70% scale.... 303 or 308 browning 🤣

[@gunnarrathbun8540]

Didn’t know that you lived in Bentonville! Followed you for quite a long time now. I live in Fayetteville. Did you film all these scenes here in NWA?

[@DozenDuzit]

We sure did!

[@boomerang379]

An Australian company has created a V12 version of the GM LS engine. I can see one fitting in that airframe.

[@ictpilot]

I'm surprised the Rotax is burning that much. I know in the Autogyro Cavalon it burns 5 gal in cruise. What percentage of power are you running in the '51?

[@thomascarey8721]

What airport was in the final scene over the river?

[@NT4XT]

This, a C-17 full load of info. Delivered at F-15EX velocity. Fully intact, 0% loss. 👍😎👍

[@ChineseSweatShoppe]

Have you flown the t51d mustang yet? If so, how does it compare?

[@marke.haller4267]

Great presentation! Is there no mechanical elasticity built into the design, given all that stiff carbon? I can see myself wasting a lot of engineering time asking questions. Alas, too old to see myself flying one.

[@bkailua1224]

I have used those scooter tires and they are much more durable than an aircraft tire of the same size.

[@aviation.satire]

Please do a review on the Stewart mustang!!!! It’s a full metal 70% scale replica

[@DozenDuzit]

If you know of one I can fly for a month, I’d love to do a side by side comparison.

[@teenagerinsac]

How nice it is to be well off enough for owning such a plane...... Rub it in, buddy :)

[@DozenDuzit]

Haha. I wish I owned one. One day.

[@nelsfreeman7465]

Yes, does it come in p40 warhawk?

[@NatedoGP]

Very cool plane! It sure is expensive though, I would look at an old T6 or SNJ for that price personally

[@DozenDuzit]

Yeah. For sure. You can pick up one of those for about the same price. Your operating cost are about 10x though. Not to mention hangar, insurance, ect. And your are flying a 80 year old airplane instead of a new Carbon fiber one. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love a T-6, but it’s an antique so I’d be more worried about breaking it and, the cost of flying/maintenance would have me reluctant to fly it all the time.

[@NatedoGP]

@@DozenDuzit true, lots of things to think about! Having a nice new engine in the SW-51 is a big plus!

[@altforce44]

Did ScaleWings purchase the assets of Papa51 Thunder Mustang?

[@BrokerLargeBusinessDeals]

Whats the VNE and cruise on this aircraft? I would be left with no choice but to see and hear a V8 502 roar out of this unit!

[@danielkilpatrick4873]

I wonder what the max weight would be?

[@MIMIC953.]

I’ve seen one already at the 2022 Reno air races

[@DozenDuzit]

Yeah. That was this one. I was fortunate to be able to fly the demo you may have seen there.

[@ictpilot]

How much weight does the parachute system add? Would love to see it as an option without it.

[@DozenDuzit]

The parachute is an optional upgrade. I’m not sure what the weight difference is off the top of my head.

[@emiliokalmera3700]

Does it have luggage space?

[@willjohnson3907]

I wonder how this compares to the other miniature p51 kit

[@ILSRWY4]

This dude reminds me of the Indycar driver Josef Newgarden.

[@user-ev2qo1hj1g]

love to see it in a F4U Corsair

[@johnritter225]

Dozen, as an RV8 owner I was intrigued with the comparison comment. So it brings on more questions that the SW website doesn't cover: - How slippery is it in the vertical? How fast does speed increase downhill? - And aligned with that, what's VNE? Especially if someone puts a Honda in there and they upgrade to prop shaft?

[@DozenDuzit]

So I did some BFM in the Mustang against my buddy in his RV-8. They honestly handle very similarly. He won in a drag race with his 210HP, but I had a slight edge in the slow speed fight. The SW is a bit more nimble as well. I’m not sure what the flutter test was engineered for, but I know that SW paid some of the top engineers a lot of money to ensure it was designed for a high Vne. If I find out what that number was I’ll post it here.

[@johnritter225]

@@DozenDuzit Tks! My 8 is a 180hp lycoming w/2 blade fpp. The vne is 230 TAS due to flutter. Va is 140 (ias mph), and there's plenty of power (adding more just puts you into the VNE corner downhill). And the 230TAS limits altitude at speed. I could expand my build with flutter testing, but evidently there has not been a flutter survivor in the plane. And fwiw, my flight videos are at channel N349DM

[@robertgill9643]

Good review. awesome kid. great hair.

[@berges104]

I am not a pilot, Submarine Nuke in fact so ... can't get much different environments lol. I would absolutely get my licience if I could afford one of these beauties. Is the Standard Engine adequate to do decent stunts or would the bigger option be worth the costs?

[@cj-ip3zh]

Can I get it with a larger tank?

[@OSCOCAT]

Sure would be cool if they made some external fuel tanks for it!

[@RobMiller]

Hey where’s the airport in the last shot? I love the Fly OZ world but haven’t been to that one.

[@DozenDuzit]

5M5 - Crystal Lake

[@robmiller9389]

@@DozenDuzit Thanks, I'll check it out. My tailwheel club TacAero will be down there in June for our second year of barnstorming around there! Love the place!

[@aaronmince]

The closest anyone can get to being tom cruise with his real p51

[@richardbrowne3641]

"$300,000.00?!" "OUCH!" "RICHIE LIKEY, BUT NO TOUCHY!"😭

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

Yea, still 1/10th the price of a real one lol.

[@richardbrowne3641]

@way2sh0rt07grad I'll go call up W.A.R. REPLICAS and see if they have plans for a P - 51 Mustang. The old Home Depot special sounds a lot cheaper right now. All I have to do is find a Suzuki V6 with a super charger on it to stuff into the engine bay. 🤣

[@emfimpulse]

That's some pretty dark paint for a composite aircraft - no issues with sunshine and temperatures?

[@ictpilot]

Improvements in epoxy, etc. over the last couple of decades have made dark paint on composites not an issue anymore.

[@USMC_LAterZ]

I need a pilots license and hit the lotto! Wish the the front canopy was like the RV8 you mentioned! Subbed! Kill!