Did the Spitfire have a cannon?
From June 1940, thirty of the aircraft were equipped with twin 20mm cannons. To distinguish between the two variants, the Spitfire Mk I’s equipped with lethal . 303 machine guns were designated IA’s. These machine guns were able to deliver a concentration of 160 rounds per second.
Why did Spitfires have clipped wings?
Shortening the wings lowered the effective altitude of the Spitfire but increased the roll rate, making it more maneuverable at lower altitudes. This increased the Spitfire’s competitiveness against aircraft such as the Fockewulf Fw190 and made it a more efficient air-to-ground attack fighter-bomber later in the war.
Was the Spitfire fuel injected?
This new carburettor was used from the Merlin 66 series and on all Griffon engines. 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.
Was the Spitfire a photographic reconnaissance aeroplane?
The story of the Spitfire as a photographic reconnaissance aeroplane starts at the end of 1939, by which time operational experience with Blenheims and Lysanders used on photographic missions had shown that an aeroplane capable of flying much faster and higher was needed.
What kind of Spitfire does Rolls Royce own?
Photo reconnaissance blue Spitfire Rolls Royce owned and operated Supermarine Spitfire PRXIX serial PS853 with nose art of an imp and I Spy.
What is a Type D Spitfire?
The Mk I PR Type D (also called the Extra Super Long Range Spitfire) was the first PR variant that was not a conversion of existing fighter airframes. The Type D carried so much fuel that it was nicknamed “the bowser”. The D shaped wing leading edges, ahead of the main spar, proved to be an ideal location for an integral tank.
What were the disadvantages of the Spitfire a?
One of the disadvantages discovered with the Spitfire A was the lack of range, so a 29-gallon fuel tank was introduced into the rear fuselage, behind the pilot, on the Spitfire B. One vertical camera was carried in a fairing beneath each wing; only a few Spitfire Bs were produced.