Spitfire Mk III

Spitfire Mk III

Supermarine Spitfire Mk III

Spitfire Mk III Specification:

Dimensions:

  • Span:
    • Clipped: 30 ft 6 in (9.30 m)
    • Standard: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
  • Length: 30 ft 4 in (9.25 m)
  • Height: 11 ft 5.5 in (3.48 m) [Tip of Prop, Tail Down]

Engine:

  • Primary Engine:
    • Initial: Two-speed, Single-stage Merlin XX with 1,280 hp (954 kW) [+12 lb/sq.in boost]
    • Later Tested: Two-speed, Two-stage Merlin 61 with 1,565 hp (1,167 kW)

Weights:

  • Tare (Empty): 5,127 lb (2,326 kg)
  • All-Up Weight: 6,572 lb (2,980 kg) at Eastleigh, 14/03/1940

Performance:

  • Maximum Speed: 400 mph (644 km/h) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
  • Time to 15,000 ft: 4 minutes 30 seconds
  • Service Ceiling: 41,800 ft (12,740 m)

Fuel:

  • Fuel Type: 100 Octane
  • Fuel Capacity:
    • Upper Fuselage Tank: 53 Imp Gal (241 liters)
    • Lower Fuselage Tank: 46.5 Imp Gal (211 liters)

Armament [Proposed Configurations]:

  • Option A: Eight 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns
  • Option B: Two 20 mm Hispano cannon and four 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns
  • Option C: Four 20 mm Hispano cannon

Cockpit:

  • Unpressurized, with internal bulletproof glass

Tailwheel:

  • Retractable

Propeller Options:

  1. Rotol: Three-blade, Variable-pitch, Constant-speed, Dural, 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter
  2. Rotol: Four-blade, Variable-pitch, Constant-speed, Dural, 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter
  3. de Havilland: Three-blade, Variable-pitch, Constant-speed, Dural, 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter
  4. Rotol: Three-blade, Variable-pitch, Constant-speed, Jablo, 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter

The Mk III was an experimental aircraft designed to improve the performance of the Spitfire, particularly at high altitudes, with its more powerful engines, refined aerodynamics, and retractable tailwheel.


Published at 1050 × 662 px.
Link to full-size photo:
Spitfire Mk III

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