Overview
The FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE with Plastic Parts Installed (FS-SU101RT) is a premium fuselage component designed for serious RC aircraft enthusiasts who demand authenticity and performance in their scale models. This 1700mm P-51D Mustang fuselage represents one of aviation's most iconic fighter aircraft, meticulously replicated in RC form. Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking to build a competition-ready warbird or an intermediate flyer ready to step up from ready-to-fly models, this fuselage offers the foundation for an exceptional flying experience. The FMS P51 is recognised globally as one of the finest P-51D scale models available on the RC market today, combining detailed craftsmanship with proven flight characteristics that make it a favourite among RC aeroplane enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
This particular variant comes with plastic parts pre-installed, saving you assembly time and reducing the risk of damage during installation. The Red Tail livery pays homage to the legendary 332nd Fighter Group, adding historical significance and visual appeal to your model collection. With its 1700mm wingspan, this is a substantial scale aircraft that demands respect from the pilot but rewards careful flying with stable, predictable flight dynamics. The fuselage-focused package means you're investing in the core of a high-quality RC aircraft that can be customised with components to match your flying style and preferences.
Whether displayed in your workshop, flown at your local RC airfield, or prepared for scale aviation competitions, the FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE represents exceptional value for pilots who understand what quality RC construction means. This is not a toy or entry-level beginner model—this is serious RC aeroplane equipment for dedicated hobbyists.
Key Features
- 1700mm Wingspan — This substantial size provides excellent scale appearance and stability in the air, making the aircraft more forgiving in moderate wind conditions while still remaining manageable for experienced pilots who have moved beyond 1400mm trainer aircraft.
- Red Tail Authentic Livery — The iconic Red Tail paint scheme honours the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and the 332nd Fighter Group, adding historical authenticity and visual distinction that makes this model instantly recognisable and highly collectible.
- Pre-Installed Plastic Parts — Canopy, cowling, spinner and other plastic components arrive pre-fitted to the fuselage, eliminating assembly complexity and potential damage from installation, allowing you to focus on final assembly and systems integration rather than detailed construction work.
- P-51D Mustang Profile — This is the definitive version of the most famous American fighter aircraft of World War II, with correct proportions and legendary flight characteristics that have been proven through decades of RC scale flying.
- V7/V8 Specification — Access to the latest FMS engineering improvements means better flight characteristics, improved component compatibility, and proven reliability from one of the world's leading RC aircraft manufacturers.
- Foundation for Customisation — The fuselage package gives you flexibility to select your own motor, ESC, servos, battery and flight controller, allowing you to create a setup perfectly matched to your flying style and local field conditions.
- Extensive Parts Support — FMS provides a comprehensive range of replacement and upgrade components specifically engineered for the 1700mm P-51D, ensuring you can maintain and enhance your aircraft for years to come.
- Competition-Grade Construction — Built to standards suitable for scale flying competitions and serious hobbyist flying, not casual park flying, this fuselage demands and deserves quality componentry and careful pilot technique.
Technical Performance
The FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE is engineered with scale flying and serious RC aeroplane performance as its primary objectives. At 1700mm in wingspan, this aircraft sits in the mid-to-large category of RC warbirds, providing excellent stability and predictable handling characteristics that experienced pilots appreciate. The fuselage-only nature of this package means the structural integrity, weight distribution, and aerodynamic profile are optimised by FMS engineers to work with a range of electric powerplants, particularly motors in the 5060 series with 360KV specifications and ESC systems rated for 80 amps or higher. The plastic components—including the detailed canopy, authentic cowling, and spinner—are pre-installed to factory standards, ensuring proper aerodynamic alignment from assembly onwards. The aircraft is designed to accept 22.2V (3S LiPo) battery systems with 3300mAh capacity and 40C discharge ratings, providing reliable power delivery for extended flying sessions. Servo compatibility spans from lightweight 9g digital servos for aileron control through to 17g metal-gear servos for larger control surfaces, accommodating either positive or reverse rotation configurations depending on your specific setup requirements. The engineering quality throughout reflects FMS's reputation as a manufacturer that understands scale aviation, with attention paid to control surface alignment, fuselage strength, and balance characteristics that make this aircraft forgiving enough for experienced intermediate pilots yet capable enough for advanced flying techniques and competition work.
What's in the Box
- FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL fuselage (main airframe structure)
- Pre-installed plastic canopy (detailed scale profile)
- Pre-installed cowling (authentic P-51D nose section)
- Pre-installed spinner (propeller hub cover)
- Landing gear covers (if applicable to version)
- Hatch covers (main landing gear and other access panels)
- Decal sheet (Red Tail livery markings and detail stickers)
What You Need to Complete
- Motor — 5060 series motor with 360KV rating is recommended; FMS provides specific 5060-KV360 motor option
- Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) — 80A ESC minimum (Predator 80A ESC recommended by FMS for this model)
- LiPo Battery — 22.2V (3S) 3300mAh 40C EC5 plug battery recommended
- Servos — Multiple servo options depending on configuration: 9g digital gear servos for aileron control (460mm wire) or 17g digital metal-gear servos (700mm wire) for larger surfaces
- Flight Controller — FMS Reflex V3 Stable Flight Controller recommended for enhanced stability and beginner-friendly flying characteristics
- Radio System — Compatible transmitter and receiver (not included)
- Propeller — 1700mm P-51 propeller 17×9 pitch
- Adhesives and Assembly Materials — Foam-safe epoxy, CA glue and other assembly adhesives as needed
- Additional Hardware — Multi-connector set for flexible component compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE suitable for beginner RC pilots? — This is not a beginner aircraft. The 1700mm P-51 is designed for intermediate to advanced RC pilots who have experience with larger aircraft and understand control surface geometry, weight and balance, and proper flying technique. If you're new to RC aeroplanes, consider starting with a smaller trainer model before progressing to this scale warbird. However, adding the FMS Reflex V3 Stable Flight Controller significantly reduces crash risk by providing automatic stabilisation and limiting control sensitivity.
- What battery does the FMS P51 V7/V8 need? — FMS recommends a 22.2V (3S LiPo) battery with 3300mAh capacity and 40C discharge rating with EC5 connector plug. This provides appropriate power delivery for the recommended 5060-KV360 motor and 80A ESC combination, offering good flight duration without excessive weight penalties.
- How does this compare to the 1400mm P-51D models? — The 1700mm version offers significantly greater wingspan (1700mm versus 1400mm), resulting in improved stability, better scale appearance, and superior flight characteristics in moderate wind. The larger airframe accommodates more substantial components and provides more forgiving handling, though it requires adequate flying space and field conditions. Both versions share FMS's design philosophy but the 1700mm represents the pinnacle of P-51 scale flying.
- What makes the Red Tail livery special? — The Red Tail refers to the legendary 332nd Fighter Group, the first African-American combat aviation unit in the United States. These pilots were known for their exceptional skill and combat record. Painting your P-51 in Red Tail colours honours this important historical aviation heritage and creates a model with significant visual presence and historical significance.
- Can I upgrade components on this fuselage? — Yes, extensively. The fuselage is designed as a platform for component selection. You can choose your motor, ESC, servos, battery and flight controller independently, allowing complete customisation. FMS provides a comprehensive range of compatible parts including motors, landing gear systems, propellers, servos and electronic components, all specifically engineered for the 1700mm P-51D.
- What flying skill level do I need? — This aircraft is best suited to pilots who have significant experience with RC aeroplanes, understand how to trim aircraft properly, know how to set up control throws and expo correctly, and possess good spatial awareness in the air. Consider your experience with larger aircraft before committing to a 1700mm warbird.
- Is this ready to fly out of the box? — No. This is a fuselage component that requires motor, ESC, battery, servos, radio receiver, flight controller and various assembly. You'll need intermediate to advanced building skills and access to appropriate tools and materials. This is not a ready-to-run (RTR) or bind-and-fly (BNF) product.
- What airfield space do I need? — The 1700mm wingspan requires a medium to large RC flying field with good visibility and adequate space for takeoff and landing. Small local parks or indoor flying spaces are not appropriate for this aircraft. Confirm field access and regulations before purchase.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE w/PLASTIC PARTS INSTALLED FS-SU101RT today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Model: FMS P51 V7/V8 RED TAIL FUSELAGE FS-SU101RT
- Aircraft Type: 1700mm P-51D Mustang Warbird
- Wingspan: 1700mm
- Scale: Scale warbird (historical P-51D Mustang replica)
- Fuselage Type: Fuselage component with pre-installed plastic parts
- Pre-Installed Components: Plastic canopy, cowling, spinner, landing gear covers, hatch covers
- Livery: Red Tail (332nd Fighter Group authentic scheme)
- Recommended Motor: 5060 series, 360KV specification
- Motor Compatibility: 5060-KV360 motor (FMS specific recommendation)
- Recommended ESC: 80A minimum rating (Predator 80A ESC compatible)
- ESC Input Cable: 300mm standard
- ESC Motor Connector: 4.0mm
- Battery Voltage: 22.2V (3S LiPo)
- Battery Capacity: 3300mAh recommended
- Battery Discharge Rating: 40C
- Battery Connector: EC5 plug
- Servo Options: 9g digital gear servo positive/reverse rotation (460mm wire) or 17g digital metal-gear servo positive rotation (700mm wire)
- Flight Controller Recommendation: FMS Reflex V3 Stable Flight Controller (compatible)
- Propeller Specification: 1700mm P-51 propeller 17×9 pitch
- Component Compatibility: Multi-connector set compatible for flexible system integration
- Sequencer Availability: 6-second sequencer available for landing gear operation (1450mm P-51D V7/V8, P-51B, 1700mm P-51D compatible)
- Retract System Compatibility: 1700mm P-51/P-47 Main E-Retract compatible
- Landing Gear: Main landing gear system and landing gear set available as separate purchases
- Decal Sheet: Included in package with Red Tail markings
- Package Contents: Fuselage with pre-installed plastic parts, canopy, cowling, spinner, covers and decals
- Build Type: Fuselage-focused component requiring motor, ESC, battery, servos, radio system and flight controller integration
- Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced RC pilots
- Flying Environment: Medium to large RC flying field required
- Manufacturer: FMS Hobby
- Design Standard: V7/V8 specification (latest engineering generation)
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.