If asked to name a British aircraft of World War II, many people would pick the Spitfire. In production and frontline service throughout the war, this Supermarine design matured to become one of the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. By combining superb aerodynamics with one of the best aero-engines ever produced, R. J. Mitchell and his Supermarine team created a pure thoroughbred fighter which became a legend, especially during the Battle of Britain, the types baptism of fire. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served as an interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber and trainer, and it continued to serve in these roles until the 1950s. In total, there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants. Spitfire offers a compact illustrated guide to this most iconic of aircraft, with chapters divided by type and time period. Find out about the Mk VB, the most numerous and hardy model that served in every theatre of war, including flying with the Soviet Air Force on the Eastern Front; marvel at EN409, a Mk XI that achieved a speed record of 975km/h (606mph) in high-speed diving trials; learn about the Spitfires role in the Dieppe Raid in 1942, where the Mk Vs and Mk IXs flew over 2000 sorties in support of the landing; and discover well-known Spitfire pilots, included Johnnie Johnson, who shot down 34 enemy aircraft and who flew the Spitfire right through his operational career from late 1940 to 1945. Packed with 100 vivid artworks and photographs, Spitfire is a compact reference guide for lovers of classic aircraft and World War II aviation enthusiasts.
Daugiau informacijos
Fully illustrated reference guide to the classic WWII British fighter
Contents
Introduction: Developing a Prototype Development of the Type 224; the
prototype Spitfire, K5054, first flew on 5 May 1936 from Eastleigh airfield
near Southampton, improved Type 300 design; testing with the Aeroplane &
Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), 1936
Mks IIII: Battle of Britain As the first of over 20 distinct fighter
variants of this most famous of all combat aircraft, the Spitfire Mk I was
the equal of any fighter in
1940. A lengthy process of evolution through
combat experience saw the Spitfire mature, via the Mk II, into a fighter of
legendary abilities.
Mk V Mk VI: Spitfires of the World Introduced as a stopgap between the Mk
II and Mk III, the Spitfire Mk V became one of the most successful marks of
Supermarines legendary fighter. It served in the UK and overseas as an
interceptor and fighter-bomber. Includes Mk Va, Mk Vb; more Spitfire Mk Vs
were built than any other type, with 6,487 built. Feature: Two-seater model:
T Mk VIII; plus 4 Squadron SAAF Mk VB in North Africa, where a second seat
was fitted instead of the upper fuel tank in front of the cockpit
Mks VIIXVI: Ultimate Merlin Marks Despite its early success, the Spitfire Mk
V proved no match for the Luftwaffes Fw 190 in combat. A solution was sought
and arrived in the form of the very capable Mk VII and VIII, which proved
highly successful in all its theatres of operation. The Mk IX was the second
most numerous type, with 5,656 being produced. It proved an effective counter
to the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf Fw
190.
Mk XII Mk XIX: Griffon Engine Variants With the Rolls-Royce Merlin reaching
the outer limits of its development potential, the Griffon originating from
a racing engine was the logical choice to power the next generation of
Spitfires. The first Mk XII flew in August 1942, and first flew operationally
with 41 Squadron in April
1943. This mark could nudge 400 mph (640 km/h) and
climb to an altitude of 33,000 ft (10,000 m) in under nine minutes.
Photo Reconnaissance Models Of all the Spitfire models, the least-known are
the photo-reconnaissance variants. Yet it was these aircraft that were the
most important Allied strategic reconnaissance machines of the European
theatre and, together with the Mosquito, made up the bulk of the Allies
camera-equipped assets. PR.Mk IA, PR.Mk IB, PR.Mk IC, PR.Mk IE, PR.Mk IG,
PR.Mk XIII, PR.Mk IX, PR.Mk XIX
Mark 21 to the Spiteful By the time its last production variant, the Mk 24,
entered RAF service in 1948, the Spitfire bore little resemblance to the
prototype that had first flown 12 years earlier, but was a considerably more
capable machine.
The Seafire The Seafire, a name derived from sea, and Spitfire, was a naval
version of the Spitfire specially adapted for operation from aircraft
carriers. In July 1943, the Seafire was used to provide air cover for the
Allied invasion of Sicily; and reprised this role in September 1943 during
the subsequent Allied invasion of Italy. The Seafire continued to be used for
some time after the end of the war. The FAA opted to promptly withdraw all of
its Merlin-powered Seafires and replace them with Griffon-powered
counterparts. The type saw further active combat use during the Korean War,
in which FAA Seafires performed hundreds of missions in the ground attack and
combat air patrol roles against North Korean forces during 1950.
Edward Ward is a writer and illustrator who has written on a variety of aviation subjects for over ten years. As well as his books, he has produced many articles for aviation journals both in print and online and is a regular contributor to the Hush Kit aviation blog. Edward lives with his wife and daughter in Sydney, Australia.
