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Britain's Supermarine Spitfire Mk VI high altitude interceptor1
Design
The Spitfire Mk VI was designed to intercept high flying German aircraft operating over Britain in 1941.1
The Mk VI was based on the Spitfire Mk VB's airframe and wing.1
Propeller
The Spitfire Mk VI was the first to have a four blade propeller.1
Wings
The wingtips were extended to help with better control at high altitudes.1
Cockpit
The cockpit was lightly pressurized (2 psi).1 This was located between the bulkheads for and aft of the pilot's cabin.1 The sealed cockpit canopy could not be slid open as it was bolted down and sealed before takeoff.1
Fuel
Internal fuel capacity was increased by 33% with the addition of a fuel tank in the rear fuselage.1
Prototype
The prototype first flew in June 1941.1
Production
Production of the Spitfire Mk V ended in October 1942.1
Usage
First Squadron
The 616 Squadron was the first to receive the Spitfire Mk VI in April 1942.1
Small Numbers
Only five RAF squadrons used the Spitfire Mk VI.1
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk VI1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | High altitude interceptor1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | Rolls-Royce Merlin 471 |
| Cylinders | V 121 |
| Cooling | |
| HP | 1,4151 |
| Propeller blades | 41 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 40' 2"1 12.24 m1 |
| Length | 29' 11"1 9.12 m1 |
| Height | 11' 5"1 3.48 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 5,300 lb1 2,404 kg1 |
| Loaded | 6,797 lb1 3,083 kg1 |
| Maximum load | 7,178 lb1 3,256 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 22,000' / 6,705 m |
364 mph1 586 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | 239 mph1 385 kph1 |
| Climb to 20,000' / 6,096 m |
8 minutes1 |
| Service ceiling | 39,200'1 11,948 m1 |
| Range | 510 miles1 820 km1 |
| Range with external fuel | 1,170 miles1 1,883 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Wings | 2: 20 mm1 4: 0.303" MG1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
