Difference between revisions of "Spitfire Mk Vb/trop"

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{{Writing|[[User:U77215690|Aussie_Mantis]] ([[User talk:U77215690|talk]]) 07:19, 13 May 2020 (UTC)}}
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_mk5b}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other versions
+
| other
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| link = Spitfire (Family)
+
| usage-1 = the non-tropical version
−
}} 
+
| link-1 = Spitfire Mk Vb
 +
| usage-2 = other versions
 +
| link-2 = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=spitfire_mk5b
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Spitfire_Mk_Vb_trop.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_Spitfire_Mk_Vb_trop.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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In order to adapt the [[Spitfire Mk Vb]] for overseas operations, such as in Malta, North Africa, Burma, and Australia, the aircraft was equipped with a large air filter under the nose, as well as other modifications such as a larger oil coolant tank and desert survival gear behind the pilot's seat. The restricted airflow to the supercharger reduced the performance of the engine, but this was deemed acceptable. A desert camouflage was also applied to match its new arenas of service.
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{{break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
  
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Having picked up experience from the previous Mk Ia, IIa and IIb, most players will welcome the Spitfire Mk Vb. The Vb sports a new and more powerful Merlin-45 inline compared to the previous Merlin-XII engine giving it an extra 100 horsepower when upgraded, which provides better high altitude performance and faster top speed than the IIb. Unfortunately, the Vb still has similar problems as experienced with the early Spitfires such as a very weak airframe, weak wings, bad roll rate at high speeds and lack of combat flaps to help with dog-fighting. Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 metres, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire maneuvers best with this load of fuel. The spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait headons from enemy aircraft, before evading, and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manevuered onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and maneuvers to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.
+
In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop sports a new and more powerful Merlin 45 inline engine compared to the previous Merlin XII engine, giving it an extra 100 horsepower when upgraded, which provides better high altitude performance and faster top speed than the [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Mk IIb]]. Unfortunately, the Mk Vb/trop still has similar problems to the early Spitfires such as a very weak airframe, weak wings, bad roll rate at high speeds and lack of combat flaps to help with dog-fighting. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible for the opponent to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 545 || 526 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.4 || 18.0 || 13.5 || 13.5 || 340
+
! Stock
 +
| 545 || 526 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.4 || 18.0 || 13.5 || 13.5 || rowspan="2" | 340
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 605 || 573 || 15.9 || 16.5 || 23.9 || 17.8
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 605 || 573 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.9 || 16.5 || 23.9 || 17.8 || 340
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
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! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
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! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 290 || ~10 || ~5
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~10 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 450
 
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 450
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
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* 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of the top fuel tank
 
* 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of the top fuel tank
 
* 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of liquid cooling system
 
* 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of liquid cooling system
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
All Spitfires have similar research paths, where the first upgrade that should be researched is "Radiator" or cannon belts, and then "New 20 mm cannons" or "Airframe". The Spitfire Vb does not need the "Radiator" upgrade due to the good thermodynamics of the new engine, so pilots should research the "Offensive 20 mm" belts first, and then "New 20 mm cannons". Pilots should leave Mk.II mod 1942 & 1943 until last, and instead prioritise performance first. Research "Airframe" to make the plane a bit lighter so it turns faster, and then research "Engine", "Wings repair" and finally "Engine injection". Once you have received "Engine injection", go back and research "Radiator", and then finally research "Cover", then 1942 cannons, then "Fuselage repair" and finally 1943 cannons.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
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{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
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{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
 
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
 
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
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* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
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* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
  
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The Hispano Mark II is the second most damaging cannon in the game, with an explosive power value rivalled only by the [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]]. The best belts are either air targets or stealth <!--why are these two the best? Help new users understand more of the why-->. Since the tracer rounds are just ball-point ammunition with a tracer element, and you only have 60 rounds per belt, you should load the stealth belt and aim with the 7.7 mm machine guns in the method described in the next section.
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The 7.7 mm machine guns seem ridiculous to have at this rank. At this BR, you need to keep either one long burst or a series of shorter bursts on a target to cause enough damage for it to fall and hit it many times (50-100 bullets need to hit critical modules such as wing spars) to secure a kill unless you are lucky and manage to set fire to a fuel tank, mangle the engine, or kill the pilot of the enemy. Going by sheer damage and fire chance, the best belt is the Tracer belt. The incendiary tracer and armour-piercing incendiary bullets are able to crit pilots, shatter wing spars and spark fires in fuel tanks with ease. Coincidentally, the belt is also good for "walking" in the 20 mm guns onto the target.
  
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The 7.7 mm machine guns seem absolutely ridiculous to have at this rank. At this BR, you need to keep either one long burst or a series of shorter bursts on a target to cause enough damage for it to fall and hit it many times (50-100 bullets need to hit critical modules such as wing spars) to secure a kill, unless you are lucky and manage to set fire to a fuel tank, mangle the engine, or kill the pilot of the enemy. Going by sheer damage and fire chance, the best belt is the Tracer belt. The incendiary tracer and armour-piercing incendiary bullets are able to crit pilots, shatter wing spars and spark fires in fuel tanks with ease. Co-incidentally, the belt is also good for "walking" in the 20 mm guns onto the target.
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The Hispano Mk.II has the third-most damaging World War II HEFI round in the game, with an explosive power coming in behind the [[MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]] and the [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]. The best belt is the stealth belt, as it contains 75% useful rounds (HEF-I, HEF-I, AP) and 25% selective-use rounds (HEF-SAPI). Since the tracer rounds are just ball-point ammunition with a tracer element, and you only have 60 rounds per belt, you should load the stealth belt and aim with the 7.7 mm machine guns in the method described in the [[#Using the guns|"Using The guns" section]].
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
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The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop fills the role of an angles-fighting aerial superiority fighter in the early British tier III lineup. It cannot fulfil any ground attack duties due to its low cannon ammunition pool and the absence of any heavy machine guns which can penetrate a tank's thin roof armour. In addition, the aircraft cannot carry any bombs or other air-to-ground ordnance. Like most Spitfires, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is meant to be used as a pure aerial superiority fighter, while fighter-bomber duties are relegated to other aircraft, such as the [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]] series of aircraft. Further details on the aircraft are as follows:
 +
[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb sun.png|alt=Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily|thumb|Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily.]]
  
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The Spitfire Vb/trop fills the role of an angles-fighting aerial superiority fighter in the early British tier III lineup. It cannot fulfil any ground attack duties due to its low cannon ammunition pool and the absence of any heavy machine guns which can penetrate a tank's thin roof armour. In addition, the aircraft cannot carry any bombs or other air to ground ordnance. Like most Spitfires, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is meant to be used as a pure aerial superiority fighter, while fighter-bomber duties are relegated to other aircraft, such as the [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]] series of aircraft. Further details on the aircraft are as follows:[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb sun.png|alt=Aussie_Mantis's Spitfire Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily.|thumb|Aussie_Mantis's Spitfire Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily.]]'''Performance:'''
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'''Performance:'''
  
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The Spitfire Mk. Vb/trop is a well-rounded fighter that can turn excellently. When the plane has not been fully upgraded, the Spitfire Vb/trop's Merlin 45 engine has less power than the Merlin XII engine of the [[Spitfire Mk IIb]]. However, all engine upgrades have been acquired the Merlin 45 is easily a superior engine with better cooling and power, blessing this variant of the spitfire with better energy retention, better energy retention and better cooling than the Mk I and II spitfires. The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has outstanding energy retention and easily gains speed in a dive and retains it after pulling out into more level flight. In addition, it does not lose speed too quickly in a turn and thanks to outstanding acceleration from the Merlin 45, the aircraft easily accelerates after pulling a high-G turn that initially bled a large amount of speed. However, the newer, more powerful, heavier engine and airframe only has more energy retention capability due to being heavier than the Spitfire IIb. This means that the aircraft cannot turn as tightly or as fast as its predecessor. The extra weight comes from the new cannons, which are slightly longer than the older Hispano Mk Is, and the extra weight of the more powerful Merlin 45 engine.  
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The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is a well-rounded fighter that can turn excellently. When the plane has not been fully upgraded, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop's Merlin-45 engine has less power than the Merlin-XII engine of the [[Spitfire Mk IIb]]. However, once all engine upgrades have been acquired the Merlin-45 is easily a superior engine with better cooling and power, blessing this variant of the Spitfire with better energy retention and better cooling than the Mk I and II Spitfires. The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has outstanding energy retention and easily gains speed in a dive and retains it after pulling out into more level flight. In addition, it does not lose speed too quickly in a turn and thanks to outstanding acceleration from the Merlin-45, the aircraft easily accelerates after pulling a high-G turn that initially bled a large amount of speed. However, the newer, more powerful, heavier engine and airframe only has more energy retention capability due to being heavier than the Spitfire Mk IIb. This means that the aircraft cannot turn as tightly or as fast as its predecessor. The extra weight comes from the new cannons, which are slightly longer than the older Hispano Mk.Is, and the extra weight of the more powerful Merlin-45 engine.
 
[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Kill-shot.png|left|thumb|356x356px|A Spitfire Mk Vb/trop breaking out of its attack run after a successful kill. Note the large Vokes Sand filter on the bottom of the engine, which is a distinctive feature of this plane.]]
 
[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Kill-shot.png|left|thumb|356x356px|A Spitfire Mk Vb/trop breaking out of its attack run after a successful kill. Note the large Vokes Sand filter on the bottom of the engine, which is a distinctive feature of this plane.]]
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The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has a quoted rate of climb of 17.8 m/s at around 255 kph in a moderate climb, however, when factoring in 20 minutes of fuel reduces is capability and it can manage around '''22.7 m/s''' in a climb at '''251 kph IAS''', or around '''20.6 m/s''' in a climb at '''270''' IAS. In addition, by alternating between shallow and sharp climbs, one can make the Spitfire climb much faster in the initial stages of the match. Through practising these techniques, it is possible to achieve an end result of an average of around 20-21 metres per second in a single, steady climb to 4,000 metres. The aircraft's nose was kept pointing between 15 - 20 degrees during this climb.  
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The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has a quoted rate of climb of 17.8 m/s at around 255 km/h in a moderate climb, however, when factoring in 20 minutes of fuel reduces is capability and it can manage around 22.7 m/s in a climb at 251 km/h IAS, or around 20.6 m/s in a climb at 270 km/h IAS. In addition, by alternating between shallow and sharp climbs, one can make the Spitfire climb much faster in the initial stages of the match. Through practising these techniques, it is possible to achieve an end result of an average of around 20-21 m/s in a single, steady climb to 4,000 m. The aircraft's nose was kept pointing between 15 - 20 degrees during this climb.
  
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Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 metres, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire maneuvers best with this load of fuel. The spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait headons from enemy aircraft, before evading, and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manevuered onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and maneuvers to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.  
+
Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 m, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire manoeuvres best with this load of fuel. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading, and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.
  
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This Spitfire has a good turn time compared to its opposition and cannot be out-turned by anything save for a Japanese Zero. However, its 16.8 second turn time and slightly wider turn radius are a far cry from the [[Spitfire Mk Ia]]'s outstanding turn radius and turn time. Don't expect to out-turn everything. While you have good energy retention, you have low manoeuvrability below 280km/h, and the plane has a tendency to lock up above 450km/h. A prime tactic used by enemy pilots is entering a steep dive, and then cutting speed near the ground, resulting in you ramming into terrain. Don't let that happen. If the target's too slow, then pull out into a quarter-loop, before rolling 180 degrees and inverting. They'll have lost a lot of speed by cutting the throttle and nearly nothing rivals the acceleration of a Spitfire Vb/trop under 4,000 metres save for high-performance Russian aircraft and the Fw-190s.  
+
This Spitfire has a good turn time compared to its opposition and cannot be out-turned by anything save for a Japanese Zero. However, its 16.8 second turn time and slightly wider turn radius are a far cry from the [[Spitfire Mk Ia]]'s outstanding turn radius and turn time. Don't expect to out-turn everything. While you have good energy retention, you have low manoeuvrability below 280 km/h, and the plane has a tendency to lock up above 450 km/h. A prime tactic used by enemy pilots is entering a steep dive, and then cutting speed near the ground, resulting in you ramming into terrain. Don't let that happen. If the target's too slow, then pull out into a quarter-loop, before rolling 180 degrees and inverting. They'll have lost a lot of speed by cutting the throttle and nearly nothing rivals the acceleration of a Spitfire Mk Vb/trop under 4,000 m save for high-performance Soviet aircraft and the Fw 190s.
  
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The Spitfire Vb/trop, begins to lose its edge below 280km/h IAS. It begins to slow down, become sluggish, and starts to show its weaknesses. Although it has good energy retention, it will lose a lot of speed turning above 400km/h, and loses speed slowly but steadily in a turn below that speed. Beginning at 270km/h IAS, the aircraft begins to lose speed and agility until it becomes heavy and unwieldy beginning at 250km/h. A favorite tactic of Fw 190 A-1 pilots to use against Spitfire Vb/trops is to keep the Spitfire turning until it loses speed, or to utilize their outstanding agility and acceleration to turn the fight into a vertical maneuvering fight that moves upwards. They utilize a series of loops & Chandelles to force the Spitfire to lose energy, bait it into a turnfight and then attempt to use their superior acceleration and energy retention to force the Spitfire to lose speed and either crash or become a sitting duck. Spitfire pilots are advised not to engage in an extended turnfight with an Fw 190 A. Getting an Fw-190 off your tail is easy, but staying on theirs is harder than it seems.       
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The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop begins to lose its edge below 280 km/h IAS. It begins to slow down, become sluggish, and starts to show its weaknesses. Although it has good energy retention, it will lose a lot of speed turning above 400 km/h and loses speed slowly but steadily in a turn below that speed. Beginning at 270 km/h IAS, the aircraft begins to lose speed and agility until it becomes heavy and unwieldy beginning at 250 km/h. A favourite tactic of Fw 190 A-1 pilots to use against Spitfire Mk Vb/trops is to keep the Spitfire turning until it loses speed, or to utilize their outstanding agility and acceleration to turn the fight into a vertical manoeuvring fight that moves upwards. They utilize a series of loops & Chandelles to force the Spitfire to lose energy, bait it into a turnfight and then attempt to use their superior acceleration and energy retention to force the Spitfire to lose speed and either crash or become a sitting duck. Spitfire pilots are advised not to engage in an extended turn-fight with an Fw 190 A. Should you be able to gain the initiative on an Fw 190 by diving on him from a higher altitude, then you will have the upper hand and defeat him easily.
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<gallery mode="slideshow" caption="Fight! Spitfire Vb/trop v.s. Bf-109F-4" widths="500" heights="300">
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon.png|thumb|356x356px|Baiting a Head-on: Beginning the process.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 2.png|thumb|356x356px|Increasing Vertical Separation with a slow turn to the left to force him to bleed more energy than I do when he comes up.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 3.png|thumb|356x356px|Shatterpoint. From this moment onwards, The spitfire has the energy advantage.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 4.png|thumb|356x356px|The Bf-109 attempts to make me bleed my new-found energy with a loop.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 5.png|thumb|356x356px|I follow by instead entering a shallow chandelle to bring me into a dive onto him once he comes down onto me.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 6.png|thumb|356x356px|As I predicted, he comes down from the loop instead of staying up, and I begin to invert my spitfire to bring it down onto his six-o'clock aspect.
 
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File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 7.png|thumb|356x356px|The Bf-109, at this point, is attempting to engage in various barrel rolls in an attempt to use is superior energy retention to make me roll with him, lsoe more energy, and lose speed, so that he can extend and get the advantage back. I decide not to follow, and instead follow his general vector while throttling back slightly.
 
−
File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 8.png|thumb|356x356px|Crit! I fire at the Bf-109, resulting in some wing damage and one of his flaps being blown off.
 
−
File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Baiting Headon 9.png|thumb|356x356px|Kill-shot! The Bf-109 dove, and I followed, before tearing his wing off with a well-placed cannon volley.
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
 
'''Using the guns:'''
 
'''Using the guns:'''
  
−
The Spitfire Vb/trop is armed with two pairs of British .303s with 350 rounds per gun and two Hispano Mark II cannons with sixty rounds per gun. In continuous firing, assuming that no jams happen at all, the Hispano's ammo will dry up quicker than the 7.7 mm Brownings. However, jams do happen and the Hispanos jam quicker than the Browning.  
+
The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is armed with two pairs of British .303s with 350 rounds per gun and two Hispano Mk.II cannons with sixty rounds per gun. In continuous firing, assuming that no jams happen at all, the Hispano's ammo will dry up quicker than the 7.7 mm Brownings. However, jams do happen and the Hispanos jam quicker than the Browning.
  
−
Use the cannons sparingly. Use the cannons when in the aircraft's most effective convergence range and envelope, and use the machine guns to 'sight' the cannons. Fire the machine guns tracer belts for maximum AP-I and tracer ammo, using the similar muzzle velocities to get an idea of where the cannon rounds will go, and then fire cannons once you are getting consistent hits. If your cannon ammo drops to 20 rounds or below that, try and return to base quickly. That way, if you get bounced on the way back, you can at least have some cannon ammo left to surprise any raider looking to kill you. Generally, the stealth belt works best, as it contains a high percentage of HEF-I rounds (50%), especially seeing as you don't have the ammo capacity to use belts with functionally useless ammunition such as the tracer and ball-point rounds, which do nearly nothing.
+
Use the cannons sparingly. Use the cannons when in the aircraft's most effective convergence range and envelope, and use the machine guns to 'sight' the cannons. Fire the machine guns' tracer belts for maximum AP-I and tracer ammo, using the similar muzzle velocities to get an idea of where the cannon rounds will go, and then fire cannons once you are getting consistent hits. If your cannon ammo drops to 20 rounds or below, try and return to base quickly. That way, if you get bounced on the way back, you can at least have some cannon ammo left to surprise any raider looking to kill you. Generally, the stealth belt works best, as it contains a high percentage of HEF-I rounds (50%), especially seeing as you don't have the ammo capacity to use belts with functionally useless ammunition such as the tracer and ball-point rounds, which do nearly nothing.
  
−
Go for deflection shots against enemy aircraft. These shots are side-on shots where you "lead" an enemy aircraft in front of you, and get off a burst when you're not directly behind them, but instead when they're turning. While this may be difficult for newer players, it provides valuable training and is a good learning experience for later tiers. In addition, should you use this technique, you can easily cause enemy planes' wings to completely fall off if you pull it off right and hit a wing spar. Bf-109s, with their single-wing spars, are especially vulnerable to a well-aimed side-on shot.  
+
Go for deflection shots against enemy aircraft. These shots are side-on shots where you "lead" an enemy aircraft in front of you, and get off a burst when you're not directly behind them, but instead when they're turning. While this may be difficult for newer players, it provides valuable training and is a good learning experience for later tiers. In addition, should you use this technique, you can easily cause enemy planes' wings to completely fall off if you pull it off right and hit a wing spar. [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]s, with their single-wing spars, are especially vulnerable to a well-aimed side-on shot.
  
 
{{Youtube-gallery|7Gp8Q8MqMQg|An example of an attack made using the machine guns to "aim" the cannons. This attack was done with a [[Spitfire Mk IIb]], but it should be actively used in any Spitfire with .303s coupled with cannons ([[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires IIb through LF Mk IXc]])}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|7Gp8Q8MqMQg|An example of an attack made using the machine guns to "aim" the cannons. This attack was done with a [[Spitfire Mk IIb]], but it should be actively used in any Spitfire with .303s coupled with cannons ([[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires IIb through LF Mk IXc]])}}
−
 
−
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 182: Line 162:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
On takeoff, switch on manual engine control. Set the prop pitch to 100% immediately, and the radiator to 100%. 120% mixture may be used below 1000m, but above that altitude, use 60-78% mixture for optimal performance. Should you be looking to conserve fuel, then a good cruising engine setup is 90% throttle with 40% mixture.
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Mk.II year 1942
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| Mk.II year 1943
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
All Spitfires have similar research paths, where the first upgrade that should be researched is Radiator, and the next upgrade should be cannon belts, and then new 20mm cannons or airframe. The Spitfire Vb does not need the Radiator upgrade due to the good thermodynamics of the new engine. Pilots should research the Offensive 20mm belts first, and then new 20mm cannons. Pilots should leave Mark II mod 1942 & 1943 until last, and instead prioritise performance first. Research Airframe to make the plane a bit lighter so it turns faster, and then research engine, wings repair and finally engine injection. Once you have received engine injection, go back and research radiator, and then finally research cover, then 1942 cannons, then fuselage repair and finally 1943 cannons.
 
  
 +
On takeoff, switch on manual engine control. Set the prop pitch to 100% immediately, and the radiator to 100%. 120% mixture may be used below 1,000 m, but above that altitude, use 60-78% mixture for optimal performance. Should you be looking to conserve fuel, a good cruising engine setup is 90% throttle with 40% mixture.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 236: Line 176:
  
 
* Excellent turn time
 
* Excellent turn time
−
* Decent all-round performance
+
* Extremely manoeuvrable
 
* Powerful cannons
 
* Powerful cannons
−
* Extremely manoeuvrable
+
* Can pull negative G manoeuvres without engine failures
−
* Decent ammo count for the .303 Brownings
 
−
* Can pull negative G manoeuvres unlike its predecessors
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low ammo count for the Hispanos
+
* Loses a lot of speed in vertical manoeuvres
−
* Requires good skill & knowledge of energy fighting to be used to its full potential
 
−
* Still uses a float carburettor and will sometimes suffer engine failures
 
−
* .303s have a low damage output
 
 
* Poor high altitude performance
 
* Poor high altitude performance
−
* Does not turn as well as A6M2s et cetera
+
* Somewhat poor climb rate
−
* Prone to overheating easily while stock
+
* Engine prone to overheating easily while stock
 
* Very fragile
 
* Very fragile
−
* Somewhat poor climb rate
+
* Low ammo count for the Hispano cannons
 +
* Cannons jam easily when stock
 +
* .303s have a low damage output
 +
* Requires good skill & knowledge of energy fighting to be used to its full potential
 +
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter. After the Mk II and two more experimental variants of the Spitfire, the next major variant to see mass production was the Spitfire Mk V. Central to this new Spitfire was its engine – the 1470 HP Rolls Royce Merlin 45. This was equipped with a single stage supercharger and, coupled with a new carburettor design, allowed the Mk V to perform zero G manoeuvres without starving the fuel flow to the engine; a problem which had plagued earlier models of the Spitfire. The engine change necessitated strengthening the engine housing and installing a more effective oil radiator with a circular rather than U-shaped housing, and fitting two strengthening longerons to the upper surfaces of each wing.
 
A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter. After the Mk II and two more experimental variants of the Spitfire, the next major variant to see mass production was the Spitfire Mk V. Central to this new Spitfire was its engine – the 1470 HP Rolls Royce Merlin 45. This was equipped with a single stage supercharger and, coupled with a new carburettor design, allowed the Mk V to perform zero G manoeuvres without starving the fuel flow to the engine; a problem which had plagued earlier models of the Spitfire. The engine change necessitated strengthening the engine housing and installing a more effective oil radiator with a circular rather than U-shaped housing, and fitting two strengthening longerons to the upper surfaces of each wing.
  
−
The Mk V initially followed a similar pattern to the Mk I and Mk II in that it was fitted either with the Type A or Type B wing, again carrying eight machine guns or two cannon and four machine guns respectively. Less than 100 of the Mk VA were produced; it would be the Mk VB with its formidable 20mm cannon and four machine guns which would be the major production model, with 3911 VBs manufactured.
+
The Mk V initially followed a similar pattern to the Mk I and Mk II in that it was fitted either with the Type A or Type B wing, again carrying eight machine guns or two cannon and four machine guns respectively. Less than 100 of the Mk VA were produced; it would be the Mk VB with its formidable 20 mm cannon and four machine guns which would be the major production model, with 3911 VBs manufactured.
  
 
Some of the fighters were made for tropical climate conditions: a Vokes filter was installed over the carburettor air intake, under the engine. It was covered by special "lips" which helped prevent excessive dust intake, but at the cost of top speed and rate of climb. This variant was named the Spitfire Mk VB/Trop and was used in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, especially North Africa and Malta.
 
Some of the fighters were made for tropical climate conditions: a Vokes filter was installed over the carburettor air intake, under the engine. It was covered by special "lips" which helped prevent excessive dust intake, but at the cost of top speed and rate of climb. This variant was named the Spitfire Mk VB/Trop and was used in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, especially North Africa and Malta.
Line 267: Line 208:
  
 
The Mk V formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command across several theatres of operations, and was considered by some pilots to be the definitive model of the Spitfire.
 
The Mk V formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command across several theatres of operations, and was considered by some pilots to be the definitive model of the Spitfire.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
=== Notable pilots ===
 
=== Notable pilots ===
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_mk5b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover"  heights="200">
 +
File:FighterImage Spitvbtrop 1.jpg|<small>Dogfight over Malta</small>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 03:26 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 03:26 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop.}}
  
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5371-development-spitfire-mk-v-model-update-and-new-modifications-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5371-development-spitfire-mk-v-model-update-and-new-modifications-en|[Devblog] Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/287253-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vbtrop/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}

Revision as of 18:41, 23 July 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire Mk Vb/trop. For the non-tropical version, see Spitfire Mk Vb. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Spitfire Mk Vb/trop
spitfire_mk5b.png
GarageImage Spitfire Mk Vb trop.jpg
Spitfire Mk Vb/trop
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 3.3
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In order to adapt the Spitfire Mk Vb for overseas operations, such as in Malta, North Africa, Burma, and Australia, the aircraft was equipped with a large air filter under the nose, as well as other modifications such as a larger oil coolant tank and desert survival gear behind the pilot's seat. The restricted airflow to the supercharger reduced the performance of the engine, but this was deemed acceptable. A desert camouflage was also applied to match its new arenas of service.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop sports a new and more powerful Merlin 45 inline engine compared to the previous Merlin XII engine, giving it an extra 100 horsepower when upgraded, which provides better high altitude performance and faster top speed than the Mk IIb. Unfortunately, the Mk Vb/trop still has similar problems to the early Spitfires such as a very weak airframe, weak wings, bad roll rate at high speeds and lack of combat flaps to help with dog-fighting. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible for the opponent to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 878 m573 km/h
Turn time16 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin-45
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,878 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 545 526 10500 17.4 18.0 13.5 13.5 340
Upgraded 605 573 15.9 16.5 23.9 17.8

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
760 270 N/A N/A 230 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 350 > 450
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,900 m 1,190 hp 1,583 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural760 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 4 mm Steel - Armoured plate in pilot's seat
  • 6-7 mm Steel - Armoured plate behind the pilot
  • 3 mm Steel - Armoured boxes around the wing ammunition
  • 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of the top fuel tank
  • 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of liquid cooling system

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB644 → 833 Sl icon.png
RB1 383 → 1 789 Sl icon.png
SB1 949 → 2 522 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 310 Rp icon.png
13 940 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 90 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png

All Spitfires have similar research paths, where the first upgrade that should be researched is "Radiator" or cannon belts, and then "New 20 mm cannons" or "Airframe". The Spitfire Vb does not need the "Radiator" upgrade due to the good thermodynamics of the new engine, so pilots should research the "Offensive 20 mm" belts first, and then "New 20 mm cannons". Pilots should leave Mk.II mod 1942 & 1943 until last, and instead prioritise performance first. Research "Airframe" to make the plane a bit lighter so it turns faster, and then research "Engine", "Wings repair" and finally "Engine injection". Once you have received "Engine injection", go back and research "Radiator", and then finally research "Cover", then 1942 cannons, then "Fuselage repair" and finally 1943 cannons.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 24 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm), Browning (7.7 mm)

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)

The 7.7 mm machine guns seem ridiculous to have at this rank. At this BR, you need to keep either one long burst or a series of shorter bursts on a target to cause enough damage for it to fall and hit it many times (50-100 bullets need to hit critical modules such as wing spars) to secure a kill unless you are lucky and manage to set fire to a fuel tank, mangle the engine, or kill the pilot of the enemy. Going by sheer damage and fire chance, the best belt is the Tracer belt. The incendiary tracer and armour-piercing incendiary bullets are able to crit pilots, shatter wing spars and spark fires in fuel tanks with ease. Coincidentally, the belt is also good for "walking" in the 20 mm guns onto the target.

The Hispano Mk.II has the third-most damaging World War II HEFI round in the game, with an explosive power coming in behind the MG 151/20 and the AN/M2. The best belt is the stealth belt, as it contains 75% useful rounds (HEF-I, HEF-I, AP) and 25% selective-use rounds (HEF-SAPI). Since the tracer rounds are just ball-point ammunition with a tracer element, and you only have 60 rounds per belt, you should load the stealth belt and aim with the 7.7 mm machine guns in the method described in the "Using The guns" section.

Usage in battles

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop fills the role of an angles-fighting aerial superiority fighter in the early British tier III lineup. It cannot fulfil any ground attack duties due to its low cannon ammunition pool and the absence of any heavy machine guns which can penetrate a tank's thin roof armour. In addition, the aircraft cannot carry any bombs or other air-to-ground ordnance. Like most Spitfires, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is meant to be used as a pure aerial superiority fighter, while fighter-bomber duties are relegated to other aircraft, such as the Beaufighter series of aircraft. Further details on the aircraft are as follows:

Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily
Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily.

Performance:

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is a well-rounded fighter that can turn excellently. When the plane has not been fully upgraded, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop's Merlin-45 engine has less power than the Merlin-XII engine of the Spitfire Mk IIb. However, once all engine upgrades have been acquired the Merlin-45 is easily a superior engine with better cooling and power, blessing this variant of the Spitfire with better energy retention and better cooling than the Mk I and II Spitfires. The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has outstanding energy retention and easily gains speed in a dive and retains it after pulling out into more level flight. In addition, it does not lose speed too quickly in a turn and thanks to outstanding acceleration from the Merlin-45, the aircraft easily accelerates after pulling a high-G turn that initially bled a large amount of speed. However, the newer, more powerful, heavier engine and airframe only has more energy retention capability due to being heavier than the Spitfire Mk IIb. This means that the aircraft cannot turn as tightly or as fast as its predecessor. The extra weight comes from the new cannons, which are slightly longer than the older Hispano Mk.Is, and the extra weight of the more powerful Merlin-45 engine.

A Spitfire Mk Vb/trop breaking out of its attack run after a successful kill. Note the large Vokes Sand filter on the bottom of the engine, which is a distinctive feature of this plane.

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has a quoted rate of climb of 17.8 m/s at around 255 km/h in a moderate climb, however, when factoring in 20 minutes of fuel reduces is capability and it can manage around 22.7 m/s in a climb at 251 km/h IAS, or around 20.6 m/s in a climb at 270 km/h IAS. In addition, by alternating between shallow and sharp climbs, one can make the Spitfire climb much faster in the initial stages of the match. Through practising these techniques, it is possible to achieve an end result of an average of around 20-21 m/s in a single, steady climb to 4,000 m. The aircraft's nose was kept pointing between 15 - 20 degrees during this climb.

Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 m, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire manoeuvres best with this load of fuel. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading, and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.

This Spitfire has a good turn time compared to its opposition and cannot be out-turned by anything save for a Japanese Zero. However, its 16.8 second turn time and slightly wider turn radius are a far cry from the Spitfire Mk Ia's outstanding turn radius and turn time. Don't expect to out-turn everything. While you have good energy retention, you have low manoeuvrability below 280 km/h, and the plane has a tendency to lock up above 450 km/h. A prime tactic used by enemy pilots is entering a steep dive, and then cutting speed near the ground, resulting in you ramming into terrain. Don't let that happen. If the target's too slow, then pull out into a quarter-loop, before rolling 180 degrees and inverting. They'll have lost a lot of speed by cutting the throttle and nearly nothing rivals the acceleration of a Spitfire Mk Vb/trop under 4,000 m save for high-performance Soviet aircraft and the Fw 190s.

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop begins to lose its edge below 280 km/h IAS. It begins to slow down, become sluggish, and starts to show its weaknesses. Although it has good energy retention, it will lose a lot of speed turning above 400 km/h and loses speed slowly but steadily in a turn below that speed. Beginning at 270 km/h IAS, the aircraft begins to lose speed and agility until it becomes heavy and unwieldy beginning at 250 km/h. A favourite tactic of Fw 190 A-1 pilots to use against Spitfire Mk Vb/trops is to keep the Spitfire turning until it loses speed, or to utilize their outstanding agility and acceleration to turn the fight into a vertical manoeuvring fight that moves upwards. They utilize a series of loops & Chandelles to force the Spitfire to lose energy, bait it into a turnfight and then attempt to use their superior acceleration and energy retention to force the Spitfire to lose speed and either crash or become a sitting duck. Spitfire pilots are advised not to engage in an extended turn-fight with an Fw 190 A. Should you be able to gain the initiative on an Fw 190 by diving on him from a higher altitude, then you will have the upper hand and defeat him easily.

Using the guns:

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is armed with two pairs of British .303s with 350 rounds per gun and two Hispano Mk.II cannons with sixty rounds per gun. In continuous firing, assuming that no jams happen at all, the Hispano's ammo will dry up quicker than the 7.7 mm Brownings. However, jams do happen and the Hispanos jam quicker than the Browning.

Use the cannons sparingly. Use the cannons when in the aircraft's most effective convergence range and envelope, and use the machine guns to 'sight' the cannons. Fire the machine guns' tracer belts for maximum AP-I and tracer ammo, using the similar muzzle velocities to get an idea of where the cannon rounds will go, and then fire cannons once you are getting consistent hits. If your cannon ammo drops to 20 rounds or below, try and return to base quickly. That way, if you get bounced on the way back, you can at least have some cannon ammo left to surprise any raider looking to kill you. Generally, the stealth belt works best, as it contains a high percentage of HEF-I rounds (50%), especially seeing as you don't have the ammo capacity to use belts with functionally useless ammunition such as the tracer and ball-point rounds, which do nearly nothing.

Go for deflection shots against enemy aircraft. These shots are side-on shots where you "lead" an enemy aircraft in front of you, and get off a burst when you're not directly behind them, but instead when they're turning. While this may be difficult for newer players, it provides valuable training and is a good learning experience for later tiers. In addition, should you use this technique, you can easily cause enemy planes' wings to completely fall off if you pull it off right and hit a wing spar. Bf 109s, with their single-wing spars, are especially vulnerable to a well-aimed side-on shot.

An example of an attack made using the machine guns to "aim" the cannons. This attack was done with a Spitfire Mk IIb, but it should be actively used in any Spitfire with .303s coupled with cannons (Spitfires IIb through LF Mk IXc)

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

On takeoff, switch on manual engine control. Set the prop pitch to 100% immediately, and the radiator to 100%. 120% mixture may be used below 1,000 m, but above that altitude, use 60-78% mixture for optimal performance. Should you be looking to conserve fuel, a good cruising engine setup is 90% throttle with 40% mixture.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent turn time
  • Extremely manoeuvrable
  • Powerful cannons
  • Can pull negative G manoeuvres without engine failures

Cons:

  • Loses a lot of speed in vertical manoeuvres
  • Poor high altitude performance
  • Somewhat poor climb rate
  • Engine prone to overheating easily while stock
  • Very fragile
  • Low ammo count for the Hispano cannons
  • Cannons jam easily when stock
  • .303s have a low damage output
  • Requires good skill & knowledge of energy fighting to be used to its full potential


History


Archive of the in-game description

A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter. After the Mk II and two more experimental variants of the Spitfire, the next major variant to see mass production was the Spitfire Mk V. Central to this new Spitfire was its engine – the 1470 HP Rolls Royce Merlin 45. This was equipped with a single stage supercharger and, coupled with a new carburettor design, allowed the Mk V to perform zero G manoeuvres without starving the fuel flow to the engine; a problem which had plagued earlier models of the Spitfire. The engine change necessitated strengthening the engine housing and installing a more effective oil radiator with a circular rather than U-shaped housing, and fitting two strengthening longerons to the upper surfaces of each wing.

The Mk V initially followed a similar pattern to the Mk I and Mk II in that it was fitted either with the Type A or Type B wing, again carrying eight machine guns or two cannon and four machine guns respectively. Less than 100 of the Mk VA were produced; it would be the Mk VB with its formidable 20 mm cannon and four machine guns which would be the major production model, with 3911 VBs manufactured.

Some of the fighters were made for tropical climate conditions: a Vokes filter was installed over the carburettor air intake, under the engine. It was covered by special "lips" which helped prevent excessive dust intake, but at the cost of top speed and rate of climb. This variant was named the Spitfire Mk VB/Trop and was used in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, especially North Africa and Malta.

The first Mk Vs entered combat in February of 1941. The improved power and performance characteristics of the Spitfire Mk V made it a competitive match for the new German Messerschmitt Bf109F, but it was found to be inferior to the new Focke-Wulf FW190. As a result, the Spitfire Mk V was the first variant to experiment with the option of clipped wing tips, which increased the aircraft's roll rate and top speed at low level, but sacrificed its rate of climb.

The Mk V formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command across several theatres of operations, and was considered by some pilots to be the definitive model of the Spitfire.


Notable pilots

  • Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot John Plagis and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop during the defence of Malta.

Media

Skins
Images

  • Dogfight over Malta

Videos
The Shooting Range #92 - Metal Beasts section at 03:26 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Supermarine
Spitfires 
Merlin engine  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb
  Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
  Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Griffon engine  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Export  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Seafires  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Export  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III
Jet fighters  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Hydroplanes  Walrus Mk.I

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

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