Q. Which Mark Spitfire flew in Battle of Britain?
At the peak of the battle, 372 Spitfires were used against them, predominantly Mk Is. Mk II Spitfires were designed to be more powerful and faster than the original model. The main difference between these is the fact that the Supermarine Spitfire Mk II came with a Merlin Mk XII powerplant.
Q. What are the markings on a Spitfire?
In the Middle East, Spitfires were painted with “sand and stone” upper surfaces for operation over the desert. The undersurfaces were a much darker blue, “azure blue” to suit the more intense blue of the sky in that theatre of war.
Q. Did the Spitfire won the Battle of Britain?
Those who have previously studied the Battle of Britain have most often come the conclusion that, although the Spitfire was an integral part to the Royal Air Force’s defense of Britain, it was ultimately the workhorse Hawker Hurricane that won the battle.
Q. What role did the Spitfire play in the Battle of Britain?
The Spitfire is the most famous plane of World War Two. Its groundbreaking design and superior specifications gave the British a decisive advantage fighting the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. But early models were often cruelly exposed in head-to-head duels with the enemy.
Q. Did Spitfire drop bombs?
Capable of top speeds of 440 miles (710 km) per hour and ceilings of 40,000 feet (12,200 metres), these were used to shoot down V-1 “buzz bombs.” During World War II, Spitfires were exported in small numbers to Portugal, Turkey, and the Soviet Union, and they were flown by the U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe.
Q. How did Spitfire get its name?
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”.
Q. What did the markings on ww2 planes mean?
Mission symbols, also known as mission marks, kill markings and victory decals, are the small symbols painted on the sides of planes, usually near the cockpit or nose, which are used to show the successes of the crews that had flown that particular aircraft.
Q. What was the worst plane in WW2?
According to the Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine, the worst plane of the Second World War was a piloted rocket made of wood, that did not have any landing gear. Yep, it’s already sounding bad. The plane was the Bachem Ba 349. The year was 1944, and the Second World War was going badly for the Nazis.
Q. Who had more kills Spitfire or Hurricane?
The final proof is the Hurricane outscored the Spitfire in Battle of Britain kills. It was 55 %to the Hurricane versus 45% to the Spitfire. With the fog of propaganda now barely a mist, the truth of the Hurricane’s role in our victory can be fully appreciated.
Q. Why was the plane called a Spitfire?
It was Robert McLean, head of Vickers Aviation, who preferred the name Spitfire because it was a name he used for his daughter Annie, describing her as “a little spitfire”. The name was confirmed by the Air Ministry in 1936, much to Mitchell’s irritation.
Q. What was faster Spitfire or Mustang?
The Mustang was also much quicker than the Spitfire, with a much longer combat range. The Mustang also flew much higher than the Spitfire, giving it a noticeable advantage. North American also equipped the Mustang with more weaponry, as well as a much faster climb rate.
Q. What was the name of the Spitfire during World War 2?
The Mk I Spitfire was to continue service throughout the Battle of Britain, and was a worthy opponent of its German equivalent, the Messerschmitt Me 109. But in August 1940, at the height of the battle, the Spitfire Mk I gave way to a faster and more powerful Mk II with its Merlin Mk XII power plant.
Q. When did the Spitfire Mk I give way to Mk II?
But in August 1940, at the height of the battle, the Spitfire Mk I gave way to a faster and more powerful Mk II with its Merlin Mk XII power plant. Most of these MK II’s were to arrive after the Battle of Britain, although some squadrons had been allocated them in late August and during September 1940.
Q. Who was the designer of the British Spitfire?
British Spitfire Background. The British Spitfire was conceived as a short-range but high performance interceptor. Its designer, R. J. Mitchell worked on improving the Spitfire until he succumbed to cancer in 1937. After that Joseph Smith continue work on the Spitfire as chief designer.
Q. What kind of engine did the Supermarine Spitfire have?
The Supermarine Spitfire was an agile fighting machine. The aircraft’s unique elliptical wings made it the supplest fighter in the sky. The Mk I was built with a Merlin II or Merlin III engine giving it up to 1,030 horsepower.
