Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7813

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.1A had 8 machine guns instead 4, 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

South African born Adolph Gysbert Malan joined the merchant marines in 1928. In 1935 Malan joined the RAF and assigned to 74 Squadron on December 20, 1936 where he earned the nickname “Sailor”. In May 1940 Malan led 10 sorties over Northern France downing 2 aircraft with 3 probables earning him the DFC. In June 1940 he downed 2 He-111’s during a night attack and earned a bar on the DFC ribbon. By the end of 1940 Malan had 18 victories with a total of 32 by wars end.

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