Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7815

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

In December 1939 Spitfire Mk.I N3162 arrived at No. 41 Squadron at Hornchurch and given the unit code EB-G and assigned to Eric Lock. Lock scored 21 victories during the Battle of Britain. On November 8, 1940 EB-G was damaged and made a forced landing. He was then assigned Mk.I P7544 and on November 23 1940 he was wounded. 6 month later he returned to No. 41 and one month later re-assigned to No. 611 Squadron as Flight Lieutenant and given Spitfire Mk.V W3257. On August 3, 1941 he never returned from a mission.

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