What you believe you read and what was actually written are a subject for discussion. Now about these raids that "Hap Arnold" told the British they should have performed but didn't? When was this? Which of the bases which intercepted the Schweinfurt raid should the British have attacked? Or does "Resp:" mean "I made it up".
Which is the best Spitfire mark?
- Thread starter Oskar the Pilot
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- mark poll spitfire supermarine vote
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
I gave you my sources. You want to argue my points. I didn't dream them up. You need to go to the source(s) and take it up (argue) with them. Asking me more questions, isn't going to help solve anything.
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
Roger. It was fairly early in the war. The info I read stated that stated that Bader (spelling ?) was flying one of the oldest Spitfires in the Squ at the time of his collision/shoot down.
You mean you made it up. You also claim to have read all those sources then come on here asking questions about a Spitfires range, why not consult your sources.
fastmongrel
1st Sergeant
Resp
Because Google has more than one page of links. I mean come on who can be bothered to read past wiki and world of Warcraft
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
The info I am seeing dictates his last aircraft was W3185, and that it was a MkVa. Regardless, he did prefer the 'a' wings w MG over cannons.
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Add:
The Spitfire MkVa was known as the Type 331, with 94 made.
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
I'm guessing, but I suspect the Mk XII had better performance than the Merlin models. Did the Mk XII have greater range over the Mk IX or VIII?
wuzak
Captain
The XII had excellent low down performance, but not very good high altitude performance.
I doubt that the XII had greater range than the VIII, and probably not better than the IX either.
The Griffon was a thirsty engine, and the XII did not get much more fuel than the IX - I'd have to confirm this later.
The VIII had the extra tanks in the inner wing leading edges, which gave it greater range than the IX (maybe later IXs got these as well?). The XIV had them (based on VIII airframe), but the XII did not (based on V airframe, as was the IX).
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
Thanks for the info. That explains one reason why Supermarine continued to built Merlin Spitfire's. It seems like Britain built as many low/mid level altitude fighter (Tempests, Typhoons, Spitfires) as the US did with it Allison engine.
wuzak
Captain
Production was the reason Merlin Spitfires continued, not range.
The Merlin was being built in several factories in the UK plus a couple in the US (the factory built for the Continental IV-1430 was eventually put towards Merlin production, but not many were built there). In contrast, the Griffon seems to have only been built at Derby and Crewe, Rolls-Royce factories.
Plus there was additional fuselage strengthening required for the XII, XIV, etc. This would have required some sacrifice of production to change over, as well as the new cowlings required.
The fuel capacities of the IX, XII and VIII were as follows:
IX: 85UKG
XII: 85UKG
VIII: 124UKG
In addition to extra tanks in the wing, the VIII had a larger upper tank.
The Merlin was being built in several factories in the UK plus a couple in the US (the factory built for the Continental IV-1430 was eventually put towards Merlin production, but not many were built there). In contrast, the Griffon seems to have only been built at Derby and Crewe, Rolls-Royce factories.
Plus there was additional fuselage strengthening required for the XII, XIV, etc. This would have required some sacrifice of production to change over, as well as the new cowlings required.
The fuel capacities of the IX, XII and VIII were as follows:
IX: 85UKG
XII: 85UKG
VIII: 124UKG
In addition to extra tanks in the wing, the VIII had a larger upper tank.
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
I guess I am confused. I would have thought that since the Merlin operated better at higher altitudes, the British would have focused production more on the Merlin. After all, the need for higher operational altitudes were required in the ETO. Hence, the Merlin Mustang.
The Merlin didn't perform better at higher altitude than the Griffon with 2 stage supercharger (65 series) fitted to the MkXIV. You are working from a conclusion backwards. There were few single stage Griffon engines made (approx. 100), only 2 squadrons used them. The Mk XIV Spitfire was used mainly for armed and PR recon approx. half were fitted with cameras. The number of Merlin Spitfire Mk IXs given to Russia was approximately the same as the number of Griffon Spitfires produced. After D-Day there was a land front, much if not most activity was closer to the ground.
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
Not to be smart, but I thought that that is what looking at history meant, looking backwards. When did the Mk XIV enter service (1st operational Squadron)?
fubar57
General
Ans:
Dec. 1943 with 610 Sqn.. Forgot to enter the quote or no one will know what I'm talking about...here we go
Dec. 1943 with 610 Sqn.. Forgot to enter the quote or no one will know what I'm talking about...here we go
fubar57
General
Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:
Thanks much fubar. Do you have a good source so I can read @ the development of the Spitefre?
I mean you draw a conclusion and work back to find evidence for that conclusion. The Spitfire Mk XIV first major use was against V1s on diver patrols starting June 1944. The altitude performance of the P-51 is a separate issue, it requires formations of 4 engine heavy bombers as part of the strategy.
michael rauls
Tech Sergeant
- 1,679
- Jul 15, 2016
I love the mk IX myself. The best looking Spitfire in my opinion.
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