Plane type: Single-seat fighter
Manufacturer: Supermarine
Crew: 1 (pilot)
Dimensions
Length: 32ft 8in
Height: 12ft 8in
Wingspan: 36ft 10in
Wing Area: 242 sq. ft
Powerplant
PR = Photo Reconnaissance | HF = High-Altitude Fighter | LF = Low-Altitude Fighter
|
Mark (Mk.) |
Powerplant |
Weight Loaded (lbs.) |
Max Speed (mph) at Operational Height |
Normal Range (Miles) |
Ceiling (feet) |
Special Function |
|
Mk. I-A |
Merlin II or III | 5332 | 367 | |||
| Mk. I-B | Merlin III | 5784 | ||||
| Mk. II-A | Merlin XII | 6317 | ||||
| Mk. II-B | Merlin XII | 6527 | ||||
| Mk. IV | Merlin 45 or 46 | 7178 | 372 | 1460 | 38000 | PR |
| Mk. V-A | Merlin 45 or 46 | 6417 | 369/365 | 480/460 | 37000/38000 | |
| Mk. V-B | Merlin 45 or 46 | 6622 | 369/365 | 480/460 | 37000/38000 | |
| Mk. V-C | Merlin 45 or 46 | 6785 | 369/365 | 470/450 | 37000/38000 | |
| Mk. VI | Merlin 47 | 6797 | 364 | 475 | 40000 | |
| Mk. VII | Merlin 61 or 64 | 7875 | 408 | 660 | 43000 | |
| Mk. VII | Merlin 71 | 7875 | 416 | 660 | 44000 | HF |
| Mk. VII | Merlin 45 or 46 | 6586 | 369 | 710 | 37000 | PR |
| Mk. VIII | Merlin 61, 63, or 63A | 7767 | 408 | 660 | 43000 | |
| Mk. VIII | Merlin 66 | 7767 | 404 | 660 | 41500 | LF |
| Mk. VIII | Merlin 70 | 7767 | 416 | 660 | 44000 | HF |
| Mk. IX | Merlin 61 or 63 | 7300 | 400+ | 434 | 40000 | |
| Mk. IX | Merlin 66 | 7300 | 404 | 434 | 42500 | LF |
| Mk. IX | Merlin 70 | 7300 | 416 | 434 | 45000 | HF |
| Mk. X | Merlin 64 or 77 | 8159 | 416 | 1370 | 43000 | PR |
| Mk. XI | Merlin 61, 63, 63A, or 70 | 7872 | 422 | 1200+ | 44000 | PR |
| Mk. XII | Griffon III or IV | 7280 | 393 | 329 | 40000 | |
| Mk. XIII | Merlin 32 | 6364 | 348 | 500 | 38000 | PR |
| Mk. XIV | Griffon 65 | 8490 | 450+ | 460 | 40000+ | |
| Mk. XVI | Merlin 266 | 7300 | 400+ | 434 | 40000 |
Click here to read up on the Merlin engine
Weights
^--- SEE TABLE ---^
Armament
SETUP #1:
- 2 x 20mm British Hispano cannons
- 4 x .303 inch machine-guns
SETUP #2:
- 2 x 20mm British Hispano cannons
- 2 x .50 inch Browning machine-guns
SETUP #3:
- 4 x 20mm British Hispano cannons, all in wings
SETUP #4:
- 8 x .303 inch machine-guns
---------------
Bomb load:
- 1 x rack under each wing for 250lb bomb
- 1 x rack under fuselage for 250lb or 500lb bomb
Performance
^--- SEE TABLE ---^
Notes:
The pride and power of the Royal Air Force, the Spitfire led Britain through the Second World War with gallant victories. Its superb performance never faltered. With the help of aircraft designers and many improvements, it was able to keep up with the best of the German fighters, and it was well equipped defend its nation. At first designed with less than adequate armament, the Spitfire was quickly changed and became the perfect aircraft. It was a favorite among many, and not just the pilots. The fighter was the "jewel of the people," and symbolized Britain's refusal to give up, and their unending strength.
RESOURCES:
Page #1 - WW2 Aircraft
Page #2 - The Flight Line
Page #3 - Fighter-Planes.com
Page #4 - Aircraft of the Second World War
Page #5 - Homepage of WW2 Aircraft
Pictures:
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Gallery 1
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Gallery 2
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