Spitfires and Fuel Tanks

[Howard Gibson]

I visited Canadian Warplane Heritage's Warplane Fly-In on Saturday. It was not a huge event, but I have shared photos, above. This was a de Havilland Chipmunk event, so I included some.

I have a question...

Above, we see the port and starboard wings of Spitfire XVIII, TP280, registered in Canada as C-GANI. This is a rebuild/restoration, and the term "ship of Theseus" may apply. According to all of my literature, Spitfire_XIVs and XVIIIs had a pair of 13imp.gal in the leading edge of each wing, ahead of the wheels, i.e., inboard of the guns. This aircraft has 25imp.gal tanks outboard of the guns. I could find no sign of the 31imp.gal tank in the fuselage behind the pilot.

Is this correct equipment for a Spitfire_XVIII, or has somebody modified this thing?

 

[Crimea_River]

My books are packed away so can't check. However, it would not be unusual for a modern flyer to have made such modifications as part of their certification. The owner may not have seen a need for a fuselage tank for his purposes.

 

[mjfur]

Per the All Knowing,

AI Overview

Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe TP280 (registered as C-GANI) was rebuilt with fuel tanks installed in its wings. [1]

Spitfire TP280 Fuel System Details

• • Aircraft Identity: TP280 is a surviving Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe configuration. [1]
  • Wing Tanks: Rebuilt to include internal fuel storage capacity within the wing structures alongside standard fuselage configurations for extended operational range. [1]
  • Restoration History: Underwent multiple extensive rebuilds, including the specialized fitting of its wing fuel systems prior to its flight return in 2007. [1]

If you're looking for specific maintenance records or flight manuals for TP280 or the Spitfire Mk.XVIII, let me know how I can help you narrow down the details.

 

[ThomasP]

FWIW, from the Spitfire Mk XVIII Pilot's Notes dated Jan'50. Note the difference between the F Mk XVIII and FR Mk XVIII.