PLANE TYPE Monoplane fighter (Mk IX) Pheraps no other combat aircraft in history can match the reputation of the "Spitfire". In the eyes of the British public, the performance of this aircraft, more than any other factor, decided the outcome of the Battle of Britain and changed the course of WW2. The first all-metal fighter produced for the RAF, the "Spitfire" was noted for its sleek design and unique thin, oval wings. While the "Hurricane" evolved from a biplane design , the "Spitfire" was designed as a monoplane from the start. And while the "Hurricane" outnumbered the "Spitfire" in 1940 and shot down more German aircraft, the "Spitfire" captured the imagination of the British people. Originally based on a design for a record-breaking racing seaplane, the first "Spitfire" prototype flew in 1936. Thought its complex design delayed initial production, the first "Spitfires" (Mk I) , were delivered to RAF squadrons in 1938. The first seventy-seven aircraft had two-blade fixed pitch propellers, and succeding aircraft were fit with three-blade two position propellers, thereby raising its ceiling by 7000 ft and improving climbing and diving. Later modifications included the addition of a high visibility bubble cockpit hood and extra armor protection. The "Spitfire" Mk I first saw action in October 1939 at the Firth of Forth in Scotland, where 2 RAF squadrons intercepted Ju 88 bombers and shot one down.
LENGTH 9,3 m ; 30,59 Ft
WINGSPAN 11,23 m ; 36,94 Ft
WING AREA 22,48 m2 ; 26,89 Sq Yds
POWERPLANT 1 Rolls Royce Merlin 61 12 V cylinders (1565 CV )
WEAPONS 2 20 mm Hispano cannons , 4 7,7 mm Browning Mk II mg.
MAX LOADED WEIGHT 3310 Kg ; 7307 Lbs
TOP SPEED 655 Km/h ; 407 MPH
CEILING 13100 m ; 43092 Ft
RANGE 1575 Km ; 979 Mi
