Table of Contents
Why was the Spitfire so maneuverable?
The Spitfire’s famous elliptical wing with sunken rivets to have the thinnest possible cross-section gave the aircraft a higher top speed than most other fighters of the time. These wings also made the Spitfire one of the most agile fighters in the sky, giving them the advantage with one-on-one battles.
Why is Spitfire called Spitfire?
It was named after the daughter of the manufacturer’s chairman. The Spitfire’s name is often assumed to derive from its ferocious firing capabilities. But it likely owes just as much to Sir Robert McLean’s pet name for his young daughter, Ann, who he called “the little spitfire”.
Why do Spitfires have clipped wings?
The Spitfire wing is quite large and actually blocks out a lot of the ground from the pilot’s perspective, which could potentially hide an enemy aircraft, but the removal of the wingtips, shaves over four feet from each side. Clipped Spitfire wings improve the downward view considerably.
How many dog fights did the Spitfire have in WW2?
Four dog-fights were carried out, starting with the standard Spitfire on the tail of the clipped wing Spitfire. On two occasions the clipped wing Spitfire evaded so rapidly in the rolling plane that it was able to lose the standard Spitfire and reverse the positions in about 20 seconds.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Spitfire V?
Spitfire V: nickname:clipped,cropped,clapped Clipped = tip of clipped wings Advantage:increased speed and lateral maneuverability. wings reduced by about one meter. Disadvantages: this reduces the bearing surface and increases the marginal vortices cropped the RR Merlin’s compressor rotates faster, and increases the intake pressure
What is a ‘LF’ version of a Spitfire?
The LF MK Vs, known as ‘clipped, cropped and clapped’ (clipped wings, cropped superchargers and generally clapped out), were gradually introduced through 1942 and 1943, along with higher boost for more speed/climb at low levels. Clipped wings is not a universal sign that a Spitfire is a ‘LF’ version though.