Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7801

General Background

The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938. At the beginning of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1’s. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the evacuation of Dunkirk. The Mk.1 was designed with a battery of eight Browning .303 machine guns. The Mk.1A has a bulged canopy, a 3-blade propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot.

The Aircraft

Flt. Lt. John Ellis was No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron top ace while flying R6806/DW-N c/n 810, a late production Spitfire Mk. 1A. He accumulated 13 confirmed victories. Ellis became Sqn. Ldr. of 610 and later while flying another aircraft ended the war as a POW. R6806 was transferred to No. 72 Squadron and due to battle damaged thought beyond repair. However after 9 months of restoration it went on to fly for several squadrons. On March 23, 1945 the aircraft was SOC (Struck Off Charge).

Specifications :

Basic Information :
Role:	Interceptor Fighter
Mk.1A Produced:	1,536
Crew:	one
Performance:
Engine:	1 x Rolls-Royce Merlin III, liquid-cooled, V12
	HP @ Altitudes – 1,030 hp @ 16,250 ft (4,953 m)
	880 HP @ take-off
Speed:
Maximum @ 20,000 ft (6,100 m):	353 mph (568 kph)
Cruising:	210 mph (338 kph)
RoC (Rate of Climb):
Initial:	2,530 ft/min (771 m/min)
Time to 20,000 ft (6,096 m):	9 minutes 25 seconds
Service Ceiling:	31,900 ft (9,723 m)
Normal Range:	395 miles (637 km)
Endurance:	1.78 hrs
Weight:
Empty:	5,040 lb (2,286 kg)
Full:	6,150 lb (2,789 kg)
Dimensions:
Length:	29 ft 11 ins. (9.12 m)
Height to tip of propeller:	11 ft 5 ins (3.48 m)
Wingspan:	36 ft 10 ins. (11.23 m)
Armament:	8 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 300 rounds/gun