Supermarine Spitfire Mk VII BS142 September 1942
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk VII was a high-performance fighter designed for high-altitude operations, featuring improved armament, pressurization, and extended range. Below are the key details of the Mk VII:
- Designation: Mk VII
- Type No.: 351
- First Flight: 22nd August 1942 (AB450)
- Type: Single-seat fighter
- Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in
- Length: 31 ft 3½ in (9.54 m)
- Height: 11 ft 8½ in (with tail up)
- Engine:
- Merlin 61 (two-speed, two-stage supercharger, 1,560 hp / 1,167 kW)
- Merlin 64 (two-speed, two-stage supercharger, 1,710 hp / 1,275 kW)
- Maximum Speed: 408 mph (656 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
- Service Ceiling: 43,000 ft (13,106 m)
- Range: 660 miles (1,062 km)
- Armament:
- Two 20 mm Hispano cannon (120 rounds per gun)
- Four 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns (350 rounds per gun)
- Cockpit: Pressurized, double-skin canopy (sliding)
- Tailwheel: Retractable
- Propeller: Rotol four-blade, variable-pitch, constant-speed, Hydulignum (laminated wood)
- Production: 140 aircraft
Notable Features:
- Pressurized Cockpit: Similar to the Mk VI, the Mk VII had a pressurized cockpit to improve pilot performance at high altitudes, but it featured a sliding double-skin canopy for improved ease of access and better protection.
- Enhanced Performance: With the Merlin 61 or Merlin 64 engines, the Mk VII reached impressive speeds, especially at high altitudes, making it a powerful interceptor.
- Retractable Tailwheel: The Mk VII was the first Spitfire model to feature a retractable tailwheel, which contributed to aerodynamic improvements.
- Extended Range: A significant increase in range, allowing the Mk VII to cover longer distances, was crucial for extended operations.