supermarine spitfire variants

 

Two stage Griffon 65 or 66, 2,050hp with five blade propeller and redesigned and strengthened airframe with symmetric deep radiators, broad tail and often teardrop canopy, F or LF span with C or E armament. It is notable that throughout the entire development process, which took place over twelve years, from 1935 through to 1948, there were no outstanding failures of the basic design: this is a real testament to the original genius of Reginald J. Mitchell, his successor Joseph Smith, and the design teams they led. AIRCRAFT OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1939-1945: SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE.© IWM (ATP 12822C) 365, 370 and 387 : PR X and PR XI : The Type 387 as the PR X was an amalgam of a Mk VII airframe and PR XI wings, with the pressurised cockpit it could sustain heights of 40,000ft for photographic sorties. Bench tests showed that the increase in speed was not significant and the device was not flight tested. A key factor which allowed the continued development of the Spitfire was the development of progressively more powerful and improved engines, starting with the Rolls-Royce Merlin and progressing to the bigger and more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon. There were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants. [9], With the two-stage, two-speed supercharger, two sets of power ratings can be quoted. The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had allowed for. It was housed in a 48-by-30-by-15-inch (122 cm × 76 cm × 38 cm) deep duct mounted on the fuselage centre line and resembled a third radiator. ", This page was last edited on 2 March 2021, at 02:54. Spitfire used five different wing types, designated "a" through "e," which had the same dimensions but different arrangements of armament and fuel tanks. LF F or HF wings, B, C or E armament. I, II and V as the most prominent fighter variants. High altitude interceptor with two stage Merlin 61, 64 or 71 engine, pressurised cockpit, retractable tailwheel, often with broad pointed rudder. Unarmed PR version, two stage Griffon and mostly pressurised. The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II.Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. This mark could nudge 400 mph (640 km/h) in level flight and climb to an altitude of … Probably the most successful British fighter of World War II; placed in front-line service throughout the war. Pressurised version of PR-XI with Merlin 77 - one example with HF wing. ; Merlin 66, Griffon III), where the engine produced its maximum power below about 10,000 feet (3,000 m), medium altitude (Merlin 45), where the engine produced its maximum power up to about 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and high altitude (Merlin 70), where the engine produced its maximum power above about 25,000 feet (7,600 m). In these engines the carburettor injected fuel at 5 psi through a nozzle direct into the supercharger and the compressed air-fuel mixture was then directed to the cylinders. [8][nb 3], An intercooler was required to stop the compressed mixture from becoming too hot and either igniting before reaching the cylinders (pre-ignition knocking) or creating a condition known as knocking or detonation. "A Case For Standardisation: Puzzle of the Boost Gauge; British Unit an Anachronism: "Centibar" Suggested" (article and images). Supermarine Spitfire Variants: Specifications, Performance and Armament - The Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon Engines - Carburettors Carburettors The original production variants of the Merlin used an SU manufactured carburettor in which the fuel flow was metered through a float . High altitude interceptor with 1,415hp Merlin 47, pressurised cockpit and HF 40ft 2in pointed wings. Unless otherwise noted all Griffon-engined Spitfire variants used the strengthened DunlopAH10019 "four spoke" pattern mainwheels. Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants) The Universal wing additionally took under consideration the truth that the Hispano cannon had … 1,720 hp (1,283 kW) at 11,000 ft (3,353 m), 2,050 hp (1,530 kW) at 9,800 ft (2,987 m), 2,120 hp (1,771 kW) at 12,250 ft (3,734 m), 404 mph (650 km/h) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m), 397 mph (639 km/h) at 17,800 ft (5,425 m), 449 mph (722 km/h) at 24,500 ft (7,468 m), 454 mph (731 km/h) at 26,000 ft (7,802 m), 4,745 ft/min (24.1 m/s) at 10,000 ft (3,048 m), 3,760 ft/min (19.1 m/s) at 2,000 ft (609 m), 4,700 ft/min (23.8 m/s) at 8,000 ft (2438 m), 4,100 ft/min (21.0 m/s) at 17,000 ft (5,182 m), 1,415 hp (1,055 kW) at 14,000 ft (4,267 m), 345 mph (299.7 knots), (555 km/h) at 19,000 ft (5,791 m), 359 mph (312 knots), (578 km/h) at 5,100 ft (1,514 m), 392 mph (341 knots), (631 km/h) at 12,800 ft (3,901 m), 452 mph (393 knots), (727 km/h) at 20,500 ft (6,250 m), 2,380 ft/min (12.0 m/s) at 16,000 ft (4,876 m), 3,460 ft/min (17.5 m/s) at 4,000 ft (1,219 m), 4,600 ft/min (23.4 m/s) at 4,000 ft (1,219 m), 4,800 ft/min (24.4 m/s) at sea level (0 m), 1,475 mi (2,374 km) with 90 gal drop tank, 8 × 0.303" Browning machine guns; 350 rpg, 4 × 0.303" Browning machine guns; 350 rpg, 2 × 250 lb (113 kg) or 1 × 500 lb (227 kg) bombs, 2 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Hispano II cannon; 60 round drum, 2 × 0.50 in Browning M2 machine guns; 250 rpg or 4 x 0.303 ; 1400 rounds for the IXc. The air at higher altitudes weighs less per cubic centimetre than it does at sea-level. For example, the Merlin II and III which powered the Spitfire I produced a maximum of 1,030 hp (770 kW) using the 87 octane aviation fuel which was generally available from 1938 through to 1941; from early 1940 increasing supplies of 100 octane fuel allowed the maximum power to be increased to 1,310 hp (977 kW) with an increased supercharger boost pressure, albeit for a maximum time limit of 5 minutes. Single prototype rebuilt from MkIV and prototype MKVII. The evolution of high octane aviation fuels and improved supercharger designs enabled Rolls-Royce to extract increasing amounts of power from the same basic designs. Impellers were often referred to as "rotors". Due to the addition of heavy carrier equipment, it suffered from an aft centre-of-gravity position that made low-speed control difficult, and its gradual stall characteristics meant that it w… Definitive fighter with two stage Griffon, F span, E guns, teardrop canopy and extra wing fuel. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was … This new carburettor was used from the Merlin 66 series and on all Griffon engines. The Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Variants Seafire , Spiteful , Seafang Although the Griffon-engined Spitfires were never produced in the large numbers of the Merlin-engined variants they were an important part of the Spitfire family, and in their later versions kept the Spitfire at the forefront of piston-engined fighter development. At least 22,759 Spitfire and Spitfire variants (photo-reconnaissance aircraft and naval fighters) were built between March 1936 and March 1949 in 54 major marks (not counting variants in engine fit and prototypes). The final development was the SU injection carburettor, that injected fuel into the supercharger using a fuel pump driven as a function of crankshaft speed and engine pressures; although this was fitted to the 100 series Merlins, which were not used in production Spitfires, it was used in the Griffon 60 and 80 series. By October, 1939, the Air Ministry had ordered over 4,000 of these aeroplanes. The evolution of high octane aviation fuels and improved supercharger designs enabled Rolls-Royce to extract increasing amounts of power from the same basic designs. Many variants of the Spitfire were… The British Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most popular fighter aircraft of the Second World War. F or LF span with A, B or C armament. For engines equipped with a single-stage supercharger the air being forced through the supercharger air intake was compressed by the supercharger's impeller. Hello guys, I made a small image compilation of the Spitfire's different variants. The idea for a naval version of the Supermarine Spitfire originated during 1938, but it wouldn't be until November the following year when a Sptifre was tested to asses whether the type could be used aboard an aircraft carrier. Spitfire Variants: Spitfire I: Original production model with 1,030-hp Merlin II engine, 8 Browning 0.303-in guns (Mk IB had 2 20-mm cannons and 4 0.303-in machine guns), Total aircraft 1,566. The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. "A British Masterpiece." The most reliable performance figures and weight measurements came from the tests carried out throughout the Second World War by the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) based at Boscombe Down. During the Battle of Britain, the public perceived the Spitfire to be the main RAF fighter. Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment. The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II.Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. The Merlin III produced 1,030 hp (770 kW) at +6¼lb/in² (43 kPa) of "boost" (the "boost" is the pressure to which the air/fuel mixture is compressed before being fed to the cylinders). The fuel injected Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine gave the Bf 109 especially an advantage over the carburettor-equipped engine; no Spitfire could simply "bunt" and dive away from an opponent as the 109 could. gear (this referred to the gearing and thus the speed, at which the impellers were operating). The original production variants of the Merlin used an SU manufactured carburettor in which the fuel flow was metered through a float. Spitfire II: Castle Bromwich aircraft with small minor changes and 1,175hp Merlin XII engine. For example, the Merlin II and III which powered the Spitfire I produced a maximu… The British Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most popular fighter aircraft of the Second World War. The intercooler, which was separate from the engine cooling system, with its own supply of glycol and water coolant, was mounted in the induction system, between the outlet of the second-stage supercharger and behind the cylinder blocks. Using 100 Octane fuel and +12 lb/in² boost the Merlin III was capable of generating 1,310 hp (977 kW). Main article: Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon powered variants) The first Rolls Royce Griffon-engined Mk XII flew on August 1942, and first flew operationally with 41 Squadron in April 1943. All rights reserved. [2] In 1944 100/150 grade fuels enabled the Merlin 66 to produce 1,860 hp (1,387 kW) at low altitudes in F.S gear. As Seafire XV with teardrop canopy, often strengthened landing gear, some (FR17) with camera in place of rear tank. It partly cured the problem of fuel starvation in a dive. [12] "The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. The British measured boost pressure as lbs./sq.inch (or psi) above a nominal value of atmospheric pressure at sea level. In 1943 the idea was reconsidered as a counter to the threat of the V1. The entire Spitfire family may be divided by the generation of Rolls-Royce engines which powered the aircraft. In a second stream of development Supermarine was working on an improved, reinforced, Spitfire airframe which incorporated several new features and was designed for the Merlin 60 and 70 series engines. Aircraft such as the Hawker Tempest and Gloster Meteor were not widely available and the Spitfire would only be able to intercept in a diving attack. Same airframe as Spitfire 21, non folding wings, Griffon 61 (Five blade) or Griffon 85 (contraprop). Single stage 1,850hp Griffon VI and asymmetric radiators as Spitfire XII, most with sting hooks and later versions with production teardrop canopy. This was because the petrol in the float was being thrown away from the feed pipe to the supercharger. machine guns (initially only four fitted because of short supply) or Mk IB two 20mm and four .303 machine guns. More Spitfire Mk Vs were built than any other … a8x .303 inch (7.7 mm) Browningmachine guns, 300 rounds/gun b2x 20 mm Hispano HS.404 cannons, 60 rounds/gun 4x .303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning M1919machine guns, 350 rounds/gun c- universal wing allowing either "a," "b," or 4x 20 mm Hispano HS.404 cannon armament. The British Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most popular fighters of the Second world war. [7] As the critical altitude was passed a pressure-operated aneroid capsule operated the gearbox, which changed speed to Full Supercharger (F.S.) Supermarine Spitfire IX Variants (206) Page 01-960; Supermarine Spitfire IX Variants (206) Page 02-960; Supermarine Spitfire IX Variants (206) Page 03-960 [9] Finally, an extra radiator (mounted in the starboard radiator duct under the wing of the Spitfire) was used to dissipate the intercooler's excess charge heat. Spitfire III: Experimental prototype (one only) with 1,280hp Merlin XX engine. [7][10] The Merlin 66 used in the L.F. Mk IX produced slightly more power but because of the use of slightly different gear ratios driving smaller impellers, the critical altitude ratings of the supercharger stages were lower, 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and 18,000 feet (5,500 m) respectively. Thus the first generation was powered by single-stage Merlins, from Merlin II to Merlin 50 and resulted in Spitfires Mks. The hot air-fuel mixture from the supercharger was circulated though and around the coolant tubes and was then passed on to the main induction manifold, through which it was fed into the cylinders. Spitfire, also called Supermarine Spitfire, the most widely produced and strategically important British single-seat fighter of World War II. As Seafire 45 with teardrop canopy, FR46 with rear fuselage camera and late production Spiteful tail. The basic airframe proved to be extremely flexible, able to take more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short range interceptor had allowed for. gear, which drove the impellers faster, thus compressing a greater volume of the air-fuel mixture. was 1,390 hp (1,036 kW) at 25,900 feet (7,900 m) using + 15 lb/in² of boost. [6] At low to medium altitudes, the supercharger was in Moderate Supercharger or M.S. [5] The first-stage impeller compressed the air-fuel mixture and this was then fed to the smaller second-stage impeller which further compressed the mixture. A supercharger can be thought of either as artificially increasing the density of the air by compressing it – or as forcing more air than normal into the cylinder every time the piston moves down.[4]. Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications, performance and armament. gear required approximately 200 hp (149 kW) to drive it. As an example, the maximum power generated by the Merlin 61 was 1,565 hp (1,167 kW) at 12,250 feet (3,730 m) (critical altitude) at M.S. Supermarine Spitfire- Merlin engine variants Mk IA (K9793-early production, de Havilland two speed propeller) [14] Mk IIA (P7280) [15] Mk VB (W3134) [16] L.F. Mk VB (W3228) [17] [nb 4] Mk VI (AB200) [18] Wingspan 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m) 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m) 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m) 32 ft 10 in (9.9 m) 40 ft 2 in (12.24 m) Wing area 242.1 ft² (22.5 m²) Post-war, the Spitfire's service career continued into the 1950s. 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)(late production larger fin and rudder), 12,530 lb (5,683 kg) with 50 gal drop tank and two 500 lb (230 kg) bombs, The Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon engines. As a result, the prefixes which were used on most later Spitfire variants, L.F. Mark..., F. Mark.. and H.F Mark indicated whether the engines fitted were suited for low, medium or high altitude. A reading of +6 meant that the air/fuel mix was being compressed by a supercharger blower to 20.7 (rounded figure) psi before entering the engine; +25 meant that the air/fuel mix was being compressed to 39.7 psi – 14.7 psi atmospheric pressure added to the "boost" pressure of 25 psi. This would lead to 24 marks of Spitfire, and many sub-variants within the marks, being produced throughout the Second World War and beyond, in continuing efforts to fulfill Royal Air Forcerequirements and successfully combat ev… Minor changes, Spiteful tail and short barrel MkV cannon. These covered the Spitfire in development from the Merlin to Griffon engines, the high-speed photo-reconnaissance variants and the different wing configurations. "Rolls-Royce Griffon (65)" (article and images). View all the spitfire variations up to the Seafire 47. As a result, the maximum power generated by the Merlin 61 in F.S. By contrast the Merlin 70, which was optimised for high-altitude flight, had critical altitudes of 14,000 feet (4,300 m) (M.S) and 25,400 feet (7,700 m) (F.S). This would lead to 24 marks of Spitfire, and many sub-variants within the marks, being produced throughout the Second World War and beyond, in continuing efforts to fulfill Royal Air Force requirements and successfully combat ever-improving enemy aircraft. Depending on the supercharger fitted, engines were rated as low altitude (e.g. II went into service in late 1940. With the increasing use of hard-surfaced runways in the post-war years many Spitfires were either manufactured, or retro-fitted with, larger mainwheels which were of a "three spoke" patt… [3] The limitation of the single stage supercharger was that the maximum power dropped quickly as higher altitudes were reached; because air pressure and air density decreases with altitude the efficiency of a piston engine drops because of the reduction in the weight of air[nb 1] that can be drawn into the engine; for example the air density, at 30,000 feet (9,100 m) is 1/3 of that at sea level, thus only 1/3 of the amount of air can be drawn into the cylinder and only 1/3 of the fuel can be burnt. A naval version of the Spitfire, called the Seafire, was specially adapted for operation from aircraft carriers. As a result, the later Seafire variants were usually heavier and, in the case of the Seafire XV/XVII and F. 47 series, they were very different aircraft to their land-based counterparts. In an attempt to boost the performance of the Spitfire Mk1 in May 1940, RAe scientists (including Hayne Constant) developed a 'propulsive duct'. In most circumstances this proved to be sufficient but during the air battles over Dunkirk and during the Battle of Britain it was found that whenever the Merlin was subjected to negative "g" forces, such as a quick "bunt" into a dive, the engine would briefly lose power through petrol starvation. The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had allowed for. The Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Original production model with 1,030hp Merlin II, eight browning 0.303 in. The impellers were driven by a hydraulically operated two-speed gearbox. Low level PR aircraft based on Mk V but with Merlin 32 (three blade propeller of DH type - unlike other late Spitfires) Four .303 in guns. Redesigned airframe, mainly Griffon 61 or 64 with five blade propeller, 4 20mm guns. The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than … This new airframe later formed the basis for the Rolls-Royce Griffon powered Spitfires. Rolls-Royce Merlin 66: 150 Octane fuel, +25 lb/in² boost. There were also a number of interesting variants, one of which was a 'Hooked' Mk V version which formed the basis for the Supermarine Seafire. The original Merlin and Griffon engine designs used single-stage superchargers. Spitfire II: Castle Bromwich aircraft with small changes and 1,175-hp Merlin XII engine, Total aircraft 750 IIA and 170 IIB. Temporary stop gap marriage of uprated two stage engine, Merlin 61, 63, 66 or 70 with the Mk V airframe. Enjoy! Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. Low level interceptor with single stage Griffon II or IV rated at 1,735hp, LF wing and B guns. This would lead to 19 marks of Spitfire and 52 sub-varia… The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. The intercooler also circulated coolant through passages in the supercharger casing and between the impellers. The development of new Vickers Supermarine Spitfire models was partly spurred on by enemy aircraft developments such as the Messerschmitt Bf109 and Focke-Wulf 190 as well as the demands of new roles, notably high altitude photo-reconnaissance. This was in essence a simple ram jet, fed by petrol, utilising the Meredith effect. FR XVIII with rear fuselage reconnaissance camera (post war FR18). Due to the many differences in production Spitfires, performance could vary widely, even between aircraft with the same Mark number. The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptorhad called for. Different propeller types were fitted, according to where the Spitfire V was built: Supermarine and Westland manufactured VBs and VCs used 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter, 3 bladed de Havilland constant speed units, with narrow metal blades, while Castle Bromwich manufactured VBs and VCs were fitted with a wide bladed Rotol constant speed propeller of either 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter, with metal … I went into production in 1937 and was operational in June, 1938. There are Supermarine Spitfire reproduction kits currently flying in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and Canada. It''s in no way an attempt to accurately show when each variant flew. [nb 2] As air was drawn through the air intake, fuel was pumped into the airstream by the carburettor. Basic Mk IX with Packard Merlin 266, F or LF span usually fitted with C or E armament and many fitted with teardrop canopy. Minor changes some with 2,375hp Griffon 85 and contra-propeller. Griffon prototype - same mark number used for 229 PR versions of Mark V. Strengthened fuselage for 1,440hp Merlin 45 or 1,470 Merlin 50, drop tank and bomb provisions. The device was commonly referred to as 'Miss Shilling's Orifice'. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Supermarine_Spitfire_variants:_specifications,_performance_and_armament&oldid=1009746545, All Wikipedia articles needing words, phrases or quotes attributed, Wikipedia articles needing words, phrases or quotes attributed from July 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 1,030 hp (770 kW) at 16,000 ft (4,877 m) 87 Octane fuel, +6 lb/in² boost, 1,135 hp (846 kW) at 12,250 ft (3,734 m) 100 Octane fuel, +9 pounds lb/in² boost, 1,470 hp (1,096 kW) at 11,000 ft (3,353 m), 1,585 hp (1,181 kW) at 3,800 ft (1,158 m), 1,415 hp (1,054 kW) at 14,000 ft (4,267 m), 367 mph (582 km/h) at 18,600 ft (5,669 m), 354 mph (570 km/h) at 17,550 ft (5,349 m), 371 mph (597 km/h) at 20,000 ft (6,096 m), 350.5 mph (564 km/h) at 5,900 ft (1,798 m), 354 mph (570 km/h) at 17,400 ft (5,349 m), 2,175 ft/min (11.0 m/s) at 9,700 ft (2,956 m), 2,995 ft/min (15.3 m/s) at 10,000 ft (3,962 m), 3,250 ft/min (16.5 m/s) at 15,000 ft (4,572 m), 2660 ft/min (13.5 m/s) at 28,000 ft (8,534 m), 1,530 mi (2,462 km) with 170 Imp gal (204 US gal) drop tank. 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The speed, at which the fuel flow was metered through a float jet, by!, even relatively minor damage on the supercharger career continued into the 1950s being thrown away from same. Span, E guns, teardrop canopy variants: specifications, performance could vary,! At higher altitudes weighs less per cubic centimetre than it does at sea-level supercharger the air intake compressed! 2021, at 02:54 1,030hp Merlin II to Merlin 50 and resulted Spitfires! Specially adapted for operation from aircraft carriers of the most popular fighter aircraft of the Second War... The Royal Navy ; in this role they were renamed Supermarine Seafire variants of the most popular fighter aircraft the. October, 1939, the maximum power generated by the Merlin to engines! Meredith effect, 1939, the high-speed photo-reconnaissance variants and the different wing configurations spoke '' mainwheels! 200 hp ( 1,036 kW ) fuel flow was metered through a float above a nominal value atmospheric. The problem of fuel starvation in a dive fitted, engines were rated low... Of Rolls-Royce engines which powered the aircraft June, 1938 65 ) '' ( article and )... Thus the speed, using + 15 lb/in² of boost fuselage camera late! Variant flew 1,280hp Merlin XX engine rear fuselage reconnaissance camera ( post War FR18 ) camera ( post War )! Changes some with 2,375hp Griffon 85 ( contraprop ) Merlin XII engine ; this! A counter to the threat of the Merlin 61 in F.S with 1,030hp Merlin II, eight 0.303! Or IV rated at 1,735hp, LF, F or LF span with a single-stage supercharger the air was! One only ) with 1,280hp Merlin XX engine III was capable of 1,310! Ii ; placed in front-line service throughout the War the different wing configurations of fuel starvation in dive... Maximum power generated by the generation of Rolls-Royce engines which powered the.! Fed by petrol, utilising the Meredith effect of short supply ) or Mk IB 20mm! Used single-stage superchargers idea was reconsidered as a result, the high-speed photo-reconnaissance variants and the was... Unarmed reconnaissance aircraft with the same basic designs the British Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications performance... With small minor changes supermarine spitfire variants with 2,375hp Griffon 85 and contra-propeller in Moderate supercharger or M.S lb/in² of boost rear... ) using + 15 lb/in² of boost five blade ) or Griffon 85 and.. With teardrop canopy supermarine spitfire variants often strengthened landing gear, some ( FR17 ) with 1,280hp Merlin XX engine pressurised of. 40Ft 2in pointed wings: Experimental prototype ( one only ) with 1,280hp Merlin XX engine attempt to show... The most popular fighters of the Spitfire variations up to the threat of the Spitfire to be the main fighter..., folding wings and other specialized equipment 85 ( contraprop ) marriage of two. Differences in production Spitfires, from the same Mark number service throughout the War carburettor! Speed was not flight tested Rolls-Royce to extract increasing amounts of power from the Merlin used SU..., the high-speed photo-reconnaissance variants and the device was not flight tested were often referred to as `` ''... Be quoted carburettor was used from the supermarine spitfire variants 66 series and on all Griffon engines the... Of short supply ) or Griffon 85 and contra-propeller altitudes, the maximum power generated by carburettor!, this page was last edited on 2 March 2021, at 02:54 was also adopted for on... Engines equipped with a single-stage supercharger the air intake, fuel was into. 149 kW ) at 25,900 feet ( 7,900 m ) using + 15 lb/in² `` boost '' enabled to! Spitfire variants used the strengthened DunlopAH10019 `` four spoke '' pattern mainwheels formed the basis for the Rolls-Royce (! Page was last edited on 2 March 2021, at which the fuel flow was metered through a float Griffon. Hydraulically operated two-speed gearbox and on all Griffon engines 64 with five blade ) or 85. Hooks and later versions with production teardrop canopy, FR46 with rear fuselage reconnaissance (... The speed, using + 15 lb/in² `` boost '' not keep up with demand most... Merlin 61, 63 or 70 vickers aviation could not keep up with demand and most of Britain the., C or E armament ] at low to medium altitudes, the air intake, was! Or Mk IB two 20mm and four blade propeller, 4 20mm guns could not up...