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Description

Spitfire Mk. Vb floatplane

Dimensions:

Span F. V 36ft 10 in. (11.23m). length overall 35 ft. 4 in.(9,12m) height 15 ft. 6 in.(3.02) wing area 242 sq. ft.(22.48m2) Float: length 25ft 7 in (7.8 m) max beam 3ft 4 in.

Weights: Empty 6,014 lb. (3,062kg) normal load 7,580 lb. (2290kg)

Performance: Maximum speed 324 mph (521 km/h) at 19,500 ft. Max ceiling: 33,400 ft.(10.200 m).

Propeller: 4-blade Rotol constant-speed metal.

Power plant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 (1,470 hp.)

With the German invasion of Norway in April 1940 the RAF took an interest in the concept of using floatplane fighters in areas where airfields were not immediately available. To this end a Spitfire Mk I was converted with floats, but with the fall of Norway and the need for fighters in the Battle of Brittan the idea was put aside.

Test showed that the vertical tail surfaces would need to be enlarged to counterbalance the side area of the floats, otherwise the idea was sound.

In early 1942 the idea was revived and tree Mk Vb were converted with a pair of floats mounted on cantilever legs. The wing spars were specially strengthened to take the main flout strut attachments. And the tail surfaces were modified and enlarge and an additional fin, made of aluminum over a wooden form was added under the fuselage. The carburetor air intake was brought well forward to bee clear of sea spray.

The floats were divided in 9 watertight sections and a pneumatically operated water rudder was controlled by the normal landplane braking system. Water handling was good and it had a vice-free take-off at around 81-83 mph if the cross-wind was below 15mph.

The three seaplanes was send to Egypt and began training for at secured base in the Dodecanese Islands in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Turkey. The plan was to use Spitfire floatplanes hiding at a small, uninhabited island in the area to attack the transport aircraft that supplied the various Italian and German garrisons. A submarine would be used as a base and house the crews between missions. But the Luftwaffe reinforced the area just a few weeks prior to the planned start of the operation and the plains went into storage.

Description

Spitfire Mk. Vb floatplane

Dimensions:

Span F. V 36ft 10 in. (11.23m). length overall 35 ft. 4 in.(9,12m) height 15 ft. 6 in.(3.02) wing area 242 sq. ft.(22.48m2) Float: length 25ft 7 in (7.8 m) max beam 3ft 4 in.

Weights: Empty 6,014 lb. (3,062kg) normal load 7,580 lb. (2290kg)

Performance: Maximum speed 324 mph (521 km/h) at 19,500 ft. Max ceiling: 33,400 ft.(10.200 m).

Propeller: 4-blade Rotol constant-speed metal.

Power plant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 (1,470 hp.)

With the German invasion of Norway in April 1940 the RAF took an interest in the concept of using floatplane fighters in areas where airfields were not immediately available. To this end a Spitfire Mk I was converted with floats, but with the fall of Norway and the need for fighters in the Battle of Brittan the idea was put aside.

Test showed that the vertical tail surfaces would need to be enlarged to counterbalance the side area of the floats, otherwise the idea was sound.

In early 1942 the idea was revived and tree Mk Vb were converted with a pair of floats mounted on cantilever legs. The wing spars were specially strengthened to take the main flout strut attachments. And the tail surfaces were modified and enlarge and an additional fin, made of aluminum over a wooden form was added under the fuselage. The carburetor air intake was brought well forward to bee clear of sea spray.

The floats were divided in 9 watertight sections and a pneumatically operated water rudder was controlled by the normal landplane braking system. Water handling was good and it had a vice-free take-off at around 81-83 mph if the cross-wind was below 15mph.

The three seaplanes was send to Egypt and began training for at secured base in the Dodecanese Islands in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Turkey. The plan was to use Spitfire floatplanes hiding at a small, uninhabited island in the area to attack the transport aircraft that supplied the various Italian and German garrisons. A submarine would be used as a base and house the crews between missions. But the Luftwaffe reinforced the area just a few weeks prior to the planned start of the operation and the plains went into storage.