The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the RAF and many other Allied countries during and after the World War 2.
Wings
- Type: Low-wing cantilever monoplane.
- Configurations:
- Standard wings: Elliptical in planform and tapering in thickness.
- Alternative wings: Options for shorter span with squared tips or extended span with pointed tips.
- Structure:
- Primarily composed of light alloy.
- Single spar: With tubular flanges and a plate web.
- Forward section: Covered with heavy-gauge light alloy sheet, forming a stiff and strong torsion box with the spar.
- Aft section: Covered with thinner gauge material, supported by light alloy girder ribs.
- Control Surfaces: Detachable wingtips, split flaps between ailerons and fuselage.
Fuselage
- Construction: All-metal monocoque design.
- Structure:
- Consists of transverse frames, four main longerons, intercostal longitudinals, and a flush-riveted “Alclad” skin.
- The foremost frame includes a fire-proof bulkhead and the central portion of the main wing spar.
- The rear portion of the fuselage, which incorporates the fin and tailplane, is detachable.
Tail Unit
- Type: Cantilever monoplane type.
- Components:
- Fin: Integral with the rear portion of the fuselage.
- Tailplane: All-metal with smooth skin covering.
- Control Surfaces: Elevators and rudder have light alloy frames with fabric covering. Trimming-tabs are present in both the elevators and rudder.
Landing Gear
- Type: Retractable.
- Main Gear: Two Vickers cantilever oleo-pneumatic shock-absorber legs that retract outward into the wings. Hydraulic retraction system with an emergency device for lowering wheels in case of system failure.
- Tail Wheel: Fully-castoring, retractable in some models.
Power Plant
- Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin or Griffon twelve-cylinder Vee liquid-cooled engine.
- Propeller: Options for three, four, or five-blade airscrews.
- Fuel System: Two main fuel tanks (85 Imperial gallons) in the fuselage, with some variants having additional tanks in the wings or rear fuselage. An auxiliary fuel tank can be mounted beneath the fuselage.
Accommodation
- Cockpit: Enclosed, located over the wing.
- Access: Sliding canopy and a hinged panel in the port side of the fuselage for entry or exit.
- Features: Adjustable ventilation, stowage for desert equipment, water, and emergency rations behind the cockpit. Some models feature a pressure cockpit.
Armament
- Options:
- Primary: Two 20 mm British Hispano cannons and four 0.303 in. or two .50-in. Browning machine-guns.
- Alternative: Four 20 mm British Hispano cannons.
- Additional Ordnance: Racks under each wing for one 250-lb. bomb and/or under the fuselage for one 250 or 500-lb. bomb.
Bibliography
- Robert Humphreys: The Supermarine Spitfire A Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller – Part 1: Merlin Powered. SAM Modellers Datafile 3
- Robert Humphreys: The Supermarine Spitfire A Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller – Part 2: Griffon-Powered. SAM Modellers Datafile 5
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