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Britain's Supermarine Spitfire Mk VII high altitude interceptor1
Design
The Spitfire Mk VII was the first substantial redesign of the Spitfire series.1 Its structure was strengthened.1
Engine
The Spitfire Mk VII used a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine.1 There were 6 port exhausts.1 The radiators were symmetrical underwing.1
Wing
The 'C' wing had shorter span ailerons and additional fuel tanks in the leading edges.1 The span was longer to help with high altitude work.1
Tail
The tail wheel was retractable.1 Many had the pointed fin and rudder.1
Cabin
The cabin was pressurized to work at high altitudes.1
Prototype
The prototype of the Spitfire Mk VII first flew in April 1942.1
Production
Deliveries began in September 1942.1
Usage
The Spitfire Mk VII was used by Britain.1
First Kill
The first kill by a Spitfire Mk VII was in September 1942 against a Focke-Wulf Fw 190.1 It occurred at 38,000' / 11,580 m over Plymouth.1
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk VII1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | High altitude interceptor1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | Rolls-Royce Merlin 641 |
| OR | Rolls-Royce Merlin 711 |
| Cylinders | |
| Cooling | |
| HP | 64: 1,7101 71: 1,6551 |
| Propeller blades | 41 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 40' 2"1 12.24 m1 |
| Length | 31' 3.5"1 9.54 m1 |
| Height | 12' 7.75"1 3.86 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 6,000 lb1 2,722 kg1 |
| Loaded | 7,875 lb1 3,572 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 25,000' / 7,620 m |
408 mph1 656 kph1 |
| Climb to 20,000' / 6,096 m |
7.1 minutes1 |
| Service ceiling | 43,000'1 13,106 m1 |
| Range | 660 miles1 1,062 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Wings | 2: 20 mm1 4: 0.303" MG1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
