Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7810

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

George Unwin was never afraid to speak his mind or back down from an argument and this earned him his nickname "Grumpy". Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H arrived at No. 19 Squadron on September 13, 1940. It was assigned to George "Grumpy" Unwin and over the next fourteen days he proceeded to shoot down 4 Bf-109Es. On September 27, 1940 Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H was re-assigned to No. 609 Squadron. The aircraft was written off October 24, 1943 when the engine failed on take off and made a belly landing and flipped over..

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