Difference between revisions of "Spitfire Mk Vc"
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{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=spitfire_mk5c_notrop | |code=spitfire_mk5c_notrop | ||
| − | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} |
}} | }} | ||
== 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.'' --> | ||
| − | The | + | The advent of the high-altitude Ju 86 bomber over Britain in late 1940 saw a growing need for a new high-altitude-capable (pressurised) variant of the Spitfire. A stop-gap solution was presented in the Spitfire Mk V, a [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Mk I]] airframe fitted with a new Merlin 45 engine, producing 1,440 hp and incorporating a new single-stage supercharger, as well as other improvements including a carburettor able to handle zero-G manoeuvres without fuel flow issues. The Mk Vc in particular was the first variant of the Spitfire to be fitted with the "C-type" or "Universal" wing, heavily redesigned to reduce manufacturing time as well as allowing a wide variety of armament layouts to be equipped without the need for structural modifications. The C-type wing was commonly fitted with an all-cannon loadout of 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons, which could also be belt-fed in the new wing design, doubling their ammunition capacity compared to those in the B-type wings. With the quick introduction of the [[Spitfire F Mk IX]] in order to counter the rising threat of the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]], the Mk Vc saw little combat over Europe. However, Spitfire Mk Vs were commonly operated overseas, resulting in their [[Spitfire Mk Vc/trop|tropicalised counterparts]]. |
| + | |||
| + | Introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]], the Mk Vc will commonly be matched against planes such as the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop]], which performs better in the vertical (climbing/diving), or the [[A6M5]], which performs better in the horizontal (turning). While this aircraft faces tricky opposition, it is far from helpless as one might expect from what is essentially the airframe of a [[Spitfire Mk Ia]]. The Spitfire Mk Vc has two major advantages over its opposition: turn performance, engine performance below 3,000 m, and armament. The plane is blessed with a Merlin 45M engine that grants it phenomenal acceleration below that altitude compared to German opposition, as well as a hard-hitting armament of four Hispano Mk II cannons that gives it an exceptionally high burst mass of 5.17 kg/s, putting it on the same level as the [[Fw 190 A-5]]. The Mk Vc has marginally better performance over its preceding [[Spitfire Mk Vc/trop|tropicalised counterpart]] due to the lack of air filters and other modifications, although the difference is rather minimal. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! Upgraded | ! Upgraded | ||
| − | | 643|| 602 || 15.8 || 16.2 || 27.3 || 19.7 | + | | 643 || 602 || 15.8 || 16.2 || 27.3 || 19.7 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen | * 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen | ||
| − | * 4 mm Steel - Armoured pilot's seat, coupled with another | + | * 4 mm Steel - Armoured pilot's seat, coupled with another |
| − | * | + | * 7 mm Steel - Behind the pilot's seat |
| − | * | + | * 6 mm Steel - Behind the pilot's head |
* 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of engine above propeller | * 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of engine above propeller | ||
* 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of front top fuel tank | * 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of front top fuel tank | ||
| Line 116: | Line 118: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!-- Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
The Spitfire Mk Vc does not have as high a climb rate as other Spitfires, but it does make up for this in manoeuvrability and firepower. Like all Spitfires, this one is a very good at turning with nearly any opponent that it might face. Trying to lure the enemy into extended turnfights is one of the most effective tactics to use in this plane. Thanks to a decent straight-line energy retention, the plane can also boom and zoom fairly well. However, keep in mind that control surfaces do suffer from compression at high speeds. Roll rate is dramatically reduced above 600 km/h, and elevator authority similarly suffers above 700 km/h. This can make it difficult to get guns on target in high-speed boom and zoom runs. | The Spitfire Mk Vc does not have as high a climb rate as other Spitfires, but it does make up for this in manoeuvrability and firepower. Like all Spitfires, this one is a very good at turning with nearly any opponent that it might face. Trying to lure the enemy into extended turnfights is one of the most effective tactics to use in this plane. Thanks to a decent straight-line energy retention, the plane can also boom and zoom fairly well. However, keep in mind that control surfaces do suffer from compression at high speeds. Roll rate is dramatically reduced above 600 km/h, and elevator authority similarly suffers above 700 km/h. This can make it difficult to get guns on target in high-speed boom and zoom runs. | ||
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | 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 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | <!-- Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective". --> | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
* Excellent turn rate | * Excellent turn rate | ||
| − | |||
* Higher than average acceleration | * Higher than average acceleration | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| + | * Low top speed | ||
* Low ammo count | * Low ammo count | ||
* Poor climb rate compared to other Spitfires | * Poor climb rate compared to other Spitfires | ||
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== 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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
| − | + | {{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, this variant of the Spitfire Mk V was fitted with the new Type C "universal" wing, capable of being fitted with a variety of armaments. The Mk VC could be fitted with four 20 mm Hispano cannons, or it could carry two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk II machine guns. The cannons in the type C wings had a tape supply and so could carry up to 120 rounds per gun, unlike the type B wings, which were limited to 60 rounds. In addition, the Mk VC had other modifications to the airframe such as a strengthened fuselage, more armour, larger oil cooler and a new windscreen design. | ||
| − | Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes. | + | Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes. |
The Mk VC was then fitted with Merlin 50, 50A, 55, and 56 engines. To improve performance characteristics at low and medium altitudes, some of these engines were fitted with a cropped supercharger impeller to allow maximum power to be reached at lower altitudes. Engines designed this way included the 45M, 50M, and 55M. | The Mk VC was then fitted with Merlin 50, 50A, 55, and 56 engines. To improve performance characteristics at low and medium altitudes, some of these engines were fitted with a cropped supercharger impeller to allow maximum power to be reached at lower altitudes. Engines designed this way included the 45M, 50M, and 55M. | ||
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On the lower altitude models, further changes were implemented. To reduce drag and moment of inertia on the aircraft's longitudinal axis, the wingspan was reduced and the elliptical wingtips were redesigned to be nearly rectangular. Fighters designed with low-altitude combat in mind were designated Spitfire LFMk Vs (Low Flight). Aircraft optimized for mid-altitude combat were designated Spitfire FMk Vs (Flight) and fighters fitted with the Merlin 46, 50A, or 56 were designated Spitfire HFMk Vs (High Flight) and had an increased wingspan with elongated, elliptical wingtips. | On the lower altitude models, further changes were implemented. To reduce drag and moment of inertia on the aircraft's longitudinal axis, the wingspan was reduced and the elliptical wingtips were redesigned to be nearly rectangular. Fighters designed with low-altitude combat in mind were designated Spitfire LFMk Vs (Low Flight). Aircraft optimized for mid-altitude combat were designated Spitfire FMk Vs (Flight) and fighters fitted with the Merlin 46, 50A, or 56 were designated Spitfire HFMk Vs (High Flight) and had an increased wingspan with elongated, elliptical wingtips. | ||
| − | The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs. | + | The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs. |
| + | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
=== Notable pilots === | === Notable pilots === | ||
| + | [[File:John_Plagis_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|John Plagis]] and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the Spitfire Mk Vc as bomber escort over Europe.]] | ||
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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_mk5c_notrop Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| − | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''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;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
| − | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | ;Related development | ||
| + | * [[Spitfire (Family)]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
<!-- ''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;'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * [ | + | * [[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/402785-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/402785-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | ||
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}} | {{AirManufacturer Supermarine}} | ||
{{Britain fighters}} | {{Britain fighters}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:25, 23 July 2023
| This page is about the British fighter Spitfire Mk Vc. For the tropical version, see Spitfire Mk Vc/trop. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family). |
Contents
Description
The advent of the high-altitude Ju 86 bomber over Britain in late 1940 saw a growing need for a new high-altitude-capable (pressurised) variant of the Spitfire. A stop-gap solution was presented in the Spitfire Mk V, a Mk I airframe fitted with a new Merlin 45 engine, producing 1,440 hp and incorporating a new single-stage supercharger, as well as other improvements including a carburettor able to handle zero-G manoeuvres without fuel flow issues. The Mk Vc in particular was the first variant of the Spitfire to be fitted with the "C-type" or "Universal" wing, heavily redesigned to reduce manufacturing time as well as allowing a wide variety of armament layouts to be equipped without the need for structural modifications. The C-type wing was commonly fitted with an all-cannon loadout of 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons, which could also be belt-fed in the new wing design, doubling their ammunition capacity compared to those in the B-type wings. With the quick introduction of the Spitfire F Mk IX in order to counter the rising threat of the Fw 190, the Mk Vc saw little combat over Europe. However, Spitfire Mk Vs were commonly operated overseas, resulting in their tropicalised counterparts.
Introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm", the Mk Vc will commonly be matched against planes such as the Bf 109 G-2/trop, which performs better in the vertical (climbing/diving), or the A6M5, which performs better in the horizontal (turning). While this aircraft faces tricky opposition, it is far from helpless as one might expect from what is essentially the airframe of a Spitfire Mk Ia. The Spitfire Mk Vc has two major advantages over its opposition: turn performance, engine performance below 3,000 m, and armament. The plane is blessed with a Merlin 45M engine that grants it phenomenal acceleration below that altitude compared to German opposition, as well as a hard-hitting armament of four Hispano Mk II cannons that gives it an exceptionally high burst mass of 5.17 kg/s, putting it on the same level as the Fw 190 A-5. The Mk Vc has marginally better performance over its preceding tropicalised counterpart due to the lack of air filters and other modifications, although the difference is rather minimal.
General info
Flight performance
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 3,963 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 577 | 558 | 10500 | 17.2 | 17.8 | 14.6 | 14.6 | 340 |
| Upgraded | 643 | 602 | 15.8 | 16.2 | 27.3 | 19.7 | ||
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 |
| 3,800 m | 1,200 hp | 1,704 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
- 4 mm Steel - Armoured pilot's seat, coupled with another
- 7 mm Steel - Behind the pilot's seat
- 6 mm Steel - Behind the pilot's head
- 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of engine above propeller
- 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of front top fuel tank
- 3 mm Steel - Armoured plates around ammunition
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Spitfire Mk Vc is armed with:
- 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 480 total)
Usage in battles
The Spitfire Mk Vc does not have as high a climb rate as other Spitfires, but it does make up for this in manoeuvrability and firepower. Like all Spitfires, this one is a very good at turning with nearly any opponent that it might face. Trying to lure the enemy into extended turnfights is one of the most effective tactics to use in this plane. Thanks to a decent straight-line energy retention, the plane can also boom and zoom fairly well. However, keep in mind that control surfaces do suffer from compression at high speeds. Roll rate is dramatically reduced above 600 km/h, and elevator authority similarly suffers above 700 km/h. This can make it difficult to get guns on target in high-speed boom and zoom runs.
As for firepower, this vehicle is armed with 4 x 20 mm cannons. Being wing-mounted, convergence is important for these guns, but they can do considerable damage if they connect. It is recommended to set a convergence of 300-400 m, and to hold fire unless at these close ranges.
The Mk Vc's engine has high fuel consumption when using WEP. So, it is important to keep an eye on remaining fuel levels, and on certain maps it may be necessary to take high fuel loads.
In a straight line, the Spitfire's top speed cannot compete with many of its American and Russian counterparts. You may sometimes find yourself being chased down by faster aircraft, and in these scenarios the best thing to do is either to look for teammates to back you up or to try luring them gradually into a turnfight.
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 |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent turn rate
- Higher than average acceleration
Cons:
- Low top speed
- Low ammo count
- Poor climb rate compared to other Spitfires
- High fuel consumption when using WEP
History
| Archive of the in-game description | |
|---|---|
|
A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter, this variant of the Spitfire Mk V was fitted with the new Type C "universal" wing, capable of being fitted with a variety of armaments. The Mk VC could be fitted with four 20 mm Hispano cannons, or it could carry two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk II machine guns. The cannons in the type C wings had a tape supply and so could carry up to 120 rounds per gun, unlike the type B wings, which were limited to 60 rounds. In addition, the Mk VC had other modifications to the airframe such as a strengthened fuselage, more armour, larger oil cooler and a new windscreen design. Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes. The Mk VC was then fitted with Merlin 50, 50A, 55, and 56 engines. To improve performance characteristics at low and medium altitudes, some of these engines were fitted with a cropped supercharger impeller to allow maximum power to be reached at lower altitudes. Engines designed this way included the 45M, 50M, and 55M. On the lower altitude models, further changes were implemented. To reduce drag and moment of inertia on the aircraft's longitudinal axis, the wingspan was reduced and the elliptical wingtips were redesigned to be nearly rectangular. Fighters designed with low-altitude combat in mind were designated Spitfire LFMk Vs (Low Flight). Aircraft optimized for mid-altitude combat were designated Spitfire FMk Vs (Flight) and fighters fitted with the Merlin 46, 50A, or 56 were designated Spitfire HFMk Vs (High Flight) and had an increased wingspan with elongated, elliptical wingtips. The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs. | |
Notable pilots
Media
- Skins
See also
- Related development
External links
- [Devblog] Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications
- Official data sheet - more details about the performance
| 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 |
