I, II and V as the most prominent fighter variants. The Merlin 66 used in the L.F. Mk IX produced slightly more power but because of the use of slightly different gear ratios driving smaller impellors, the critical altitude ratings of the supercharger stages were lower, 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and 18,000 feet (5,500 m) respectively. This, though not ideal, produced a very marked improvement in directional characteristics and we were able to introduce minor changes thereafter and by various degrees of trimmer tab and balance tab to reach an acceptable degree of directional stability and control. The modifications over the Mk XIV made the Mk 21 sensitive to trim changes. It was hoped that this would improve the pilot's view over the nose in flight and increase the high speed and dive performance of the aircraft. [4], The Hispano Mk.II cannons were now belt fed from box magazines allowing for 120 rpg (the "Chattellerault" system). Spitfire XI: Unarmed reconnaissance aircraft with Merlin 61, 63 or … All had the larger "Spiteful" tail units; modifications were also made to the trim tab gearings to perfect the F Mk 24's handling. The original Merlin and Griffon engine designs used single-stage superchargers. is listed. [2], These were specifically made for the Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires, including the PR XIX; no armament was fitted and the "D" shaped leading edges of the wings ahead of the main spar, were converted into integral fuel tanks, each carrying 66 gallons. Rolls-Royce designed the engine and first ran it in 1933 as a private venture. Introduced into service in 1946, the F Mk 24 differed greatly from the original Spitfire Mk I, was twice as heavy, more than twice as powerful and showed an increase in climb rate of 80 percent over that of the prototype, 'K5054'. With the death of the original designer, Reginald J. Mitchell, in June 1937, all variants of the Spitfire were designed by his replacement, Joseph Smith, and a team of engineers and draftsmen. The lower cowling lost its "pigeon-chested" appearance, with a shallower curve up to the spinner. Bromley, Kent UK. These were soon removed and a mock up of a proposed six-cannon armament was fitted, three in each wing. ; Merlin 66, Griffon III), where the engine produced its maximum power below about 10,000 feet (3,000 m), medium altitude (Merlin 45), where the engine produced its maximum power up to about 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and high altitude (Merlin 70), where the engine produced its maximum power above about 25,000 feet (7,600 m). Griffon-powered variants of the Supermarine Spitfire. 57 Related Articles [filter] Supermarine Spitfire. [19] [35] It was this type which was rumoured to have been buried at an airfield in Burma after the war. [42] The Mk 21 armament was standardised as four 20mm Hispano II cannon with 150 rpg and no machine guns. If this failed the pitch of the rear propeller was no longer under control and might do anything which was potentially dangerous. After the first 25 (type 389s) were produced, later aircraft were also fitted with the pressurised cabin of the Mk X and the fuel capacity was increased to 256 gallons, three-and-a-half times that of the original Spitfire This version was the type 390. The Spitfire was built in many variants, using several wing configurations, and was produced … I realised at once that we should have to correct its directional characteristics and probably its longitudinal stability also, both of which in due time we achieved. [38] The Mk 18s saw little action apart from some involvement against guerrillas in the Malayan Emergency. To avoid the expansion of fuel in hot weather damaging the wing, pressure relief valves, incorporating small external vent pipes, were fitted near the wing tips. Starting in early 1945 most Spitfire Mk XIVs also used clipped wingtips, mainly in an effort to reduce wrinkling of the wing's skin; again the LF prefix was not applied to these aircraft. During the Battle of Britain, the public perceived the Spitfire to be the main RAF fighter. [39]. "Rolls-Royce Griffon (65)" (article and images). The Mk 18 was a refinement of the Mk XIV. The first one of these was flown by Jeffrey Quill on 20 January 1943. Spitfire, also called Supermarine Spitfire, the most widely produced and strategically important British single-seat fighter of World War II. Spitfire X: Pressurised version of PR-XI with Merlin 77 - one example with HF wing. 329 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force fighter squadron founded upon the personnel and traditions of the French 1/2 fighter squadron Storks, having markings "5A" 1944-1945. It was a splendid aeroplane in every respect. However the new wing gave less than perfect handling characteristics and so the Mk 23 was never built from the Mk 22 airframe as intended. A top speed of 423 mph (681 km/h) at 18,500 ft (5,639 m) was predicted. The Spitfire Mk.I reached No.19 Squadron at Duxford in 1938. Rated at 2,050 hp (1,530 kW), the 12-cylinder Vee liquid-cooled Griffon 61 engine featured a two-stage supercharger, giving the Spitfire the exceptional performance at high altitude that had been sometimes lacking in early marks. [51] The breakdown of production figures is taken from Air International 1985, p. 187. The Supermarine Seafire was a naval version of the Supermarine Spitfire adapted for operation from aircraft carriers. To ensure sufficient ground clearance for the new propeller, the undercarriage legs were lengthened by 4.5 in (11 cm). Jeffrey Quill flew the first production aircraft, RB140 in October 1943: So the Mk XIV was in business, and a very fine fighter it was. Chief among the changes was the upgraded 1,175 hp (876 kW) Merlin XII engine. This was precisely the opposite result to that expected, or indeed intended. Replaced by 2 x .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns 250 rpg Mk XIVE and FR Mk XIV. Structurally unchanged from the C wing, the outer machine gun ports were eliminated, although the outer machine gun bays were retained and their access doors were devoid of empty cartridge case ports and cartridge case deflectors. The F Mk 24 achieved a maximum speed of 454 mph (731 km/h) and could reach an altitude of 30,000 ft (9,100 m) in eight minutes, putting it on a par with the most advanced piston-engined fighters of the era. The fairings over the Hispano barrels were shorter and there was usually a short rubber stub covering the outer cannon port. ten main factories and several smaller workshops, Military history of the United Kingdom during World War II, Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications, performance and armament, Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants), Supermarine Spitfire (late Merlin-powered variants), http://www.spitfireperformance.com/JF319_Report_P3792.pdf, http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spitfire-XIV-ads.jpg, Alan Le Marinel hosts Supermarine Spitfire, K5054 – Supermarine Type 300 prototype Spitfire & production aircraft history. Changes of trim with changes of power were much more in evidence, both directionally and longitudinally, and the aeroplane sheared about a bit during tight manoeuvres and simulated dog-fights. For example, the Merlin II and III which powered the Spitfire I produced a maximu… This would lead to 19 marks of Spitfire and 52 sub-varia… The enlarged fin of JF317 had a straight leading edge but for production a more elegant curved line was introduced. "Mark", meaning "model" or "variant", can be abbreviated "Mk.". Mark XX was given to the original Mk IV Griffon engine prototype DP845 to avoid confusion with the retitled Spitfire PR Mk IVs. It was built up until early 1946 but it was not until January 1947, that an RAF squadron, 60 Squadron which operated from RAF Seletar, Singapore, was re-equipped with the variant. The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. In operational service many pilots initially found that the new fighter could be difficult to handle, particularly if they were used to earlier Spitfire marks. The Westland Whirlwind was a British twin-engined heavy fighter developed by Westland Aircraft. No. A new five bladed Rotol propeller of 10 ft 5 in (3.18 m) in diameter was used, although one prototype JF321 was fitted with a six bladed contra rotating unit. [7] The F.S. A supercharger can be thought of either as artificially increasing the density of the air by compressing it - or as forcing more air than normal into the cylinder every time the piston moves down.[4]. One prototype, JF321, was fitted and tested with a Rotol six-bladed contra-rotating propeller unit; although this promised to eliminate the characteristic swing on take-off (caused by the propeller slipstream) the propeller unit was prone to failure. A total of 287 Mk 22s were built: 260 at Castle Bromwich and 27 by Supermarine at South Marston. With the increasing use of hard-surfaced runways in the post-war years, many Spitfires were either manufactured, or retro-fitted with, larger mainwheels which were of a "three spoke" pattern. ". Its handling qualities have benefitted (sic) to a corresponding extent and it is now considered suitable both for instrument flying and low flying. [43]. The full remedy was to use the Bendix-Stromberg pressure carburettor, which allowed more precise metering of the amount of fuel used by the engine and prevented the problem of fuel starvation. In spite of the difficulties pilots appreciated the performance increases. In total, 957 Mk XIVs were built, over 430 of which were FR Mk XIVs. Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications, performance and armament — Spitfire Role Fighter Manufacturer Supermarine Designer R. J. Mitchell First flight 5 March 1936 Introduction 1938 Retired 1955, RAF Primary user Royal Air Force … Wikipedia In the summer of 1939 an early Mk I K9788 was fitted with a new version of the Merlin, the XII. [2], The undercarriage mountings were redesigned and the undercarriage doors were bowed in cross section allowing the legs to sit lower in the wells, eliminating the upper-wing blisters over the wheel wells and landing gear pivot points. The later Griffon-engined Spitfire variants embodied new wings, tail units and undercarriages and were very different from any of the earlier Spitfire marks. Impellers were often referred to as "rotors" . On reflection the general scheme became clear. In most circumstances this proved to be sufficient but during the air battles over Dunkirk and during the Battle of Britain it was found that whenever the Merlin was subjected to negative "g" forces, such as a quick "bunt" into a dive, the engine would briefly lose power through petrol starvation. The final Spitfire variant, the Mk 24, was similar to the Mk 22 except that it had an increased fuel capacity over its predecessors, with two fuel tanks of 33 gal (150 l) each installed in the rear fuselage. [41]. 1943–1948 was a transition period during which new aircraft entering service were given Arabic numerals for mark numbers but older aircraft retained their Roman numerals. Rolls-Royce Merlin 66: 150 Octane fuel, +25 lb/in² boost. Unless otherwise noted, all Griffon-engined Spitfire variants used the strengthened … This was the final mark of Spitfire powered by a Griffon 85 driving a five bladed Rotol propeller. The Spitfire was to be a sort of datum pacemaker – 'Mr Average Contemporary Fighter' – and its job would be to come in last, the real excitement of the proceedings being by how much it would be beaten by the Fw 190 and the Typhoon, and which of these two bright stars would beat the other and by how much. [9], With the two-stage, two-speed supercharger two sets of power ratings can be quoted. Jeffrey Quill, Supermarine's chief test pilot, was the first to fly the Mk IV/Mk XII prototype DP845. Vickers Supermarine Spitfire HFVII AB450 prototype in flight Numerically, the most important marks were the MK.I, MK.V, MK.VII, MK.IX and MK.XIV, of which the MK.V (Merlin 45) and MK.IX (with Merlin 61 and two-speed / two-stage supercharger) contributed more than half of the production total. [9] Finally, an extra radiator (mounted in the starboard radiator duct under the wing of the Spitfire) was used to dissipate the intercooler's excess charge temperature. 4 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 350 rpg. As a result the prefixes which were used on most later Spitfire variants, L.F. Mark..., F. Mark.. and H.F Mark indicated whether the engines fitted were suited for low, medium or high altitude. The many changes were made in order to fulfill Royal Air Force requirements and to successfully engage in combat with ever-improving enemy aircraft. In these engines the carburettor injected fuel at 5 psi through a nozzle direct into the supercharger and the compressed air—fuel mixture was then directed to the cylinders. [12]. It partly cured the problem of fuel starvation in a dive. F Mk IIc its multitude of variants Spitfire VIIIs. The increased cooling requirements of the Griffon engine meant that all radiators were much bigger and the underwing housings were deeper than previous versions. [7]. A similar contra-rotating propeller unit was later used on production Seafire 46 and 47s. The mark numbers XV and XVII (15 and 17) were reserved for the naval version, the Seafire , in an effort to reconcile the Spitfire numbering scheme with that of the Seafire. The Royal Navy, noting both the success of the Spitfire in land-based service, and also the success of their own Sea Hurricanes, ordered the production of the Seafire, a carrier-based version of the Spitfire. This Spitfire has the "cropped" Merlin 45 series engine and the "clipped" wings. Mark XVI or Mark 16 often refers to the 16th version of a product, frequently military hardware. Initially known as the PV-12, it was later called Merlin following the company convention of naming its piston aero engines after birds of prey. The second stage starting was often accompanied by a noticeable jolt, which inexperienced pilots often mistook for some type of engine malfunction. These were used on modified undercarriage legs which had reduced "toe-in” for the axles, which reduced tyre scrub. Although the Griffon-engined Spitfires were never produced in the large numbers of the Merlin-engined variants they were an important part of the Spitfire family, and in their later versions kept the Spitfire at the forefront of piston-engined fighter development. Spitfire F.24 of 80 Squadron. We still had some work to do to improve its longitudinal and directional characteristics, but it was powerful and performed magnificently. However 12 squadrons of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force used the variant and continued to do so until March 1951. The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. As the Spitfire gained more power and was able to fly at greater speeds the risk of aileron reversal was increasing so the Supermarine design team set about redesigning the wings to counter this possibility. 2 × 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannon with 120 rounds-per-gun (rpg) in the outer bays combined with 2 ×, 4 × 20 mm Hispano cannon with 120 rpg (this configuration was rarely fitted.). [30], F Mk XIVs had a total of 109.5 gal of fuel consisting of 84 gal in two main tanks and a 12.5 imp gal fuel tank in each leading edge wing tank; other 30, 45, 50 or 90 gal drop tanks could be carried. Factors such as weight, external fittings, airframe and engine condition, among others, influenced how an aircraft performed. They had a single 85 gal main fuel tank, giving a short range of little over 380 miles (610 km) on internal fuel. [3] The limitation of the single stage supercharger was that the maximum power dropped quickly as higher altitudes were reached; because air pressure and air density decreases with altitude the efficiency of a piston engine drops because of the reduction in the weight of air[nb 1] that can be drawn into the engine; for example the air density, at 30,000 feet (9,100 m) is 1/3 of that at sea level, thus only 1/3 of the amount of air can be drawn into the cylinder and only 1/3 of the fuel can be burnt. The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. A contemporary of the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, it was the first single-seat, twin-engined, cannon-armed fighter of the Royal Air Force. ... and this was transmitted to the rear propeller (which was rotating in the opposite direction) through the transitional bearing mechanism. Deliveries began in January 1942, and the Seafire was used in growing numbers and variants throughout the remainder of the war. British Spitfire References. ", Cooke, Peter. The "fishtail" design of ejector exhaust stub gave way to ones of circular section. The last 45 or so Mk XIIs, were based on Mk VIIIs with two wing fuel tanks, each containing a maximum fuel load of 14 gal, and featured the larger horn balances, retractable tailwheel and undercarriage legs with torque-links, "dished" leg fairings and the stronger Dunlop AH10019 four spoke wheels. For example, the Merlin II and III which powered the Spitfire I produced a maximum of 1,030 hp (770 kW) using the 87 octane aviation fuel which was generally available from 1938 through to 1941; from early 1940 increasing supplies of 100 octane fuel allowed the maximum power to be increased to 1,310 hp (977 kW) with an increased supercharger boost pressure, albeit for a maximum time limit of 5 minutes. [3] Several versions of the Spitfire, including Mk XIV and Mk XVIII had extra 13 gallon integral fuel tanks in the wing leading edges, between the wing-root and the inboard cannon bay. The Mk.1 Spitfire had a 1,030-hp Merlin II engine and eight Browning 0.303-in machine guns. [6] At low to medium altitudes the supercharger was in Moderate Supercharger or M.S. The next major variant was the Mk V (Type 349) with Merlin 45 engine. [12] Spitfire used five different wing types, designated "a" through "e," which had the same dimensions but different arrangements of armament and fuel tanks. In the case of the Merlin II/III, XII and 40 series as the air was being compressed it was mixed with fuel which was fed through an SU carburettor before being fed into the engine's cylinders. The resulting aircraft provided a substantial performance increase over the Mk IX. The Mark IV DP845 first flew on 27 November 1941. Information as to when the first production aircraft emerged is from the serial number lists provided in Morgan and Shacklady 2000. Jeffrey Quill commented that, The AFDU were quite right to criticise the handling of the Mark 21 ... Where they went terribly wrong was to recommend that all further development of the Spitfire family should cease. Although initially based on the Mk VIII airframe, common improvements made in aircraft produced later included the cut-back fuselage and tear-drop canopies, and the E-Type wing with improved armament. As a result the later Seafire variants were usually heavier and, in the case of the Seafire XV/XVII and F. 47 series, they were very different aircraft to their land-based counterparts. A four blade Rotol propeller of 10 ft 5 in (3.1 m) was used. The first batch of aircraft to fly with the Griffon 60 series engines were six converted Mk VIIIs JF316 to JF321 which were called Mk VIIIG. Spitfire IX: Temporary stop gap marriage of uprated two stage engine, Merlin 61, 63, 66 or 70 with the Mk V airframe. The Supermarine Attacker is a British single-seat naval jet fighter designed and produced by aircraft manufacturer Supermarine for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA). A total of 81 Mk 24s were completed, 27 of which were conversions from Mk 22s. To achieve this a new hatch, similar to the radio hatch on the port side, was installed on the starboard side, and both hatches were fitted with camera ports in streamlined blisters. [13] Apart from these differences the Mk IV airframe was closely related to that of the Merlin-powered Mk III. The new design also had a modern inwards-retracting undercarriage. The Griffon IIs or VIs used a single-stage supercharger generating maximum power at low altitudes. It was identical in most respects including engine (the Griffon 65) and cockpit enhancements, but it carried extra fuel and had a revised, stronger wing structure. They were quite unqualified to make such a judgement and later events would prove them totally wrong. The Spitfire was the only British plane to be in constant production before, during and after World War II. The standard armament was now four 20mm Hispano IIs or the shorter, lighter Hispano V cannons, each with 150 rounds per gun. The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had allowed for. [47], The Mk 22 was used by only one regular RAF unit, 73 Squadron [48] based on Malta. From 1948 onwards, Arabic numerals were used exclusively. The ailerons were 5 per cent larger and the Frise balanced type were dispensed with, the ailerons being attached by continuous piano-hinges. [31] Mk XIVs with "tear-drop" canopies had 64 gal. [37] After the war, second hand Mk XIVs were exported to a number of foreign air forces; 132 went to the Royal Belgian Air Force, 70 went to the Royal Indian Air Force and 30 of its reconnaissance variant went to the Royal Thai Air Force. This was because the petrol in the float was being thrown away from the feed pipe to the supercharger. The most fundamental change made to the later Merlin (60, 70, 80 and 100 series) and Griffon engines (60 and 80 series) was the incorporation of a two-stage, two-speed supercharger, which provided a considerable increase in power, especially at higher altitudes. [36] Later, purpose-built conversions, also known as the FR Mk XIVE, had the later cut-down rear fuselage with its tear drop–shaped canopy, port and/or starboard camera ports (without blisters), and an additional rear fuel tank of 34 gallons which extended the Spitfire's range to about 610 miles (980 km) on internal fuel. [2] During production of the Mk VIII and Mk IX, a new undercarriage leg was introduced which had external v-shaped "scissor-links" fitted to the front of the leg; this also led to small changes in the shape of the undercarriage bay and leg fairings. This would lead to 24 marks of Spitfire, and many sub-variants within the marks, being produced throughout the Second World War and beyond, in continuing efforts to fulfill Royal Air Force requirements and successfully combat ever-improving enemy aircraft. Indeed, DP485 eventually went through many phases of development throughout and I, and others, flew in it a great deal; it became one of our favourite aeroplanes. gear required approximately 200 hp (149 kW) to drive it. [5] The first-stage impellor compressed the air—fuel mixture and this was then fed to the smaller second-stage impellor which further compressed the mixture. The Griffon engine drove an 11 ft (3.4 m)-diameter five-bladed propeller, some 7 in (18 cm) larger than that fitted to the Mk XIV. The first trial installation of the installation (modification 1029) was made in BS118, a Mark XI in November 1943. [45] In 1946 forty Spitfire 21s were delivered to Shoeburyness; once there their leading edges were removed and destroyed in "lethality" tests. Although the first version of the Seafire, the Seafire Ib, was a straight adaptation of the Spitfire Vb, successive variants incorporated much needed strengthening of the basic structure of the airframe and equipment changes in order to survive the demanding maritime environment. The second article describes Spitfire variants powered by later Merlins, with two-stage, two-speed superchargers, while the final article describes the Spitfires powered by Rolls-Royce Griffon engines. [33], One problem which did arise in service was localised skin wrinkling on the wings and fuselage at load attachment points; although Supermarine advised that the Mk XIVs had not been seriously weakened, nor were they on the point of failure, the RAF issued instructions in early 1945 that all F and FR Mk XIVs were to be refitted with clipped wings. Like the Mk XIV there were fighter and fighter reconnaissance variants built. Supermarine Spitfire – History of a legend (RAF Museum), last viewed: 17 January 2014. [2] To provide room for the belt feed system of the cannon, the inner machine gun bays were moved outboard between ribs 13 and 14. The normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.6959 psi, although this can vary from day to day: a reading of +6 meant that the air/fuel mix was being compressed by a supercharger blower to 20.7 (rounded figure) psi before entering the engine; +25 meant that the air/fuel mix was being compressed to 39.7 psi. The original production variants of the Merlin used an SU manufactured carburettor in which the fuel flow was metered through a float. The Mk 18 missed the war. The modified, hand-built wing was first fitted to a Mk VIII JG204 which was tested from July 1944. gear, which drove the impellers faster, thus compressing a greater volume of the air-fuel mixture. Spitfire Mk VIII. There were also zero-point fittings for rocket projectiles under the wings. Although the first version of the Seafire, the Seafire Ib, was a straight adaptation of the Spitfire Vb, successive variants incorporated much needed strengthening of the basic structure of the airframe and equipment changes in order to survive the demanding maritime … The Spitfire was also adopted for service on aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy; in this role they were renamed Supermarine Seafire. Its handling was also nearly identical and so it was not put through any performance tests. It was widely used as an aircraft, naval and land-based weapon by French, British, American and other military services, particularly during World War II. Thus, the Spitfire PR Mk XIX became the PR 19 after 1948. The first Griffon-powered Spitfires suffered from poor high altitude performance due to having only a single stage supercharged engine. After the destruction of the main Itchen and Woolston works by the Luftwaffe in September 1940, all Supermarine manufactured Spitfires were built in a number of "Shadow Factories"; by the end of the war there were ten main factories and several smaller workshops which built many of the components. This would lead to 19 marks of Spitfire and 52 sub-variants being produced throughout the Second World War, and beyond. Spitfire Performance Testing, Last Viewed: 16 January 2014. The Rolls-Royce Griffon engine was designed in answer to Royal Naval specifications for an engine capable of generating good power at low altitudes. In 1951, Hainan Island (People's Republic of China) was targeted at the behest of US Naval Intelligence for RAF overflights, using Spitfire PR Mk 19s based at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong. The undercarriage legs also had a 7.75 in (19.7 cm) wider track to help improve ground handling. The most common variant of the Hawker Hurricane is the Hawker Hurricane MK IIC.
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