P-51 gear doors

[Tim Landers]

I was was wondering if someone would explain the operations of the main gear doors. My understanding is that they slowly bleed off hyd. pressure and open. Does the pilot bleed this or let gravity do the job?

Tim

[Mike]

Either.

SOP is generally to pull the hydraulic T-handle on shut-down, which dumps the system pressure and the doors fall under gravity. During WWII, often the system was left pressurized, which led to the doors gradually drooping, often by unequal amounts, as the pressure fell off. This can be clearly seen in period photos of P-51s parked at dispersal.

[Shay]

Is it different for early model Mustangs? I thought their doors stayed up.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[mgeorge51]

The T handle also inserts two pins that keep the gear down in the locked position. I believe the reason for dumping the pressure is to help lower the risks of leaks. Not sure about the older models only the D.