Difference between revisions of "Spitfire Mk Ia"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_mk1}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_mk1}}
−
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Spitfire_(Disambiguation)|Spitfire (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
  
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
  
 
The Spitfire Mk Ia is one of the British tree line first monoplane designs, alongside the Hurricanes. The Spitfire is most distinctive with its sleek and thin elliptical wing design, a characteristic seen in most future Spitfire variants. The wing on the Spitfire is a Type A, as implied by the name "Mk I'''a'''", which contained four .303 machine guns per wing with a total of eight machine guns.
 
The Spitfire Mk Ia is one of the British tree line first monoplane designs, alongside the Hurricanes. The Spitfire is most distinctive with its sleek and thin elliptical wing design, a characteristic seen in most future Spitfire variants. The wing on the Spitfire is a Type A, as implied by the name "Mk I'''a'''", which contained four .303 machine guns per wing with a total of eight machine guns.
  
−
Its default paint coat consists of a green and tan two-tone coloring, with a white undercoat. The Spitfire Mk Ia possess the Royal Air Force Type A.1 roundel on the fuselage with a yellow outer ring, followed by blue, white, and then a red center. On the wings, the Type B roundels are painted with a simple blue outer ring and a red center. The red, white, blue fin flap exist on the tail vertical stabilizer.
+
Its default paint coat consists of a green and tan two-tone colouring, with a white undercoat. The Spitfire Mk Ia possess the Royal Air Force Type A.1 roundel on the fuselage with a yellow outer ring, followed by blue, white, and then a red centre. On the wings, the Type B roundels are painted with a simple blue outer ring and a red centre. The red, white, blue fin flap exist on the tail vertical stabilizer.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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* 153 rounds per second total output (1150 rpm x 8 / 60).
 
* 153 rounds per second total output (1150 rpm x 8 / 60).
 
* Muzzle velocity 2,660 feet/second [810 m/s]. <ref>http://www.aviation-history.com/guns/303.htm</ref>
 
* Muzzle velocity 2,660 feet/second [810 m/s]. <ref>http://www.aviation-history.com/guns/303.htm</ref>
−
* The .303 was a rifle round, accurate but fairly ineffective in air combat unless in skilled hands. The calibre was chosen over the .50 as it was lighter, had a higher rate of fire and was less susceptible to jamming. However, it required an average 4500 rounds to disable an enemy aircraft <ref>Flying Guns: World War II by Anthony G Williams, Emmanuel Gustin (2003), p95</ref>, of which 250 rounds needed to hit (i.e. a full 2-second burst). Accurate placing of the shot was essential, as it lacked sufficient energy to cause structural damage.
+
* The .303 was a rifle round, accurate but fairly ineffective in air combat unless in skilled hands. The calibre was chosen over the .50 as it was lighter, had a higher rate of fire and was less susceptible to jamming. However, it required an average 4500 rounds to disable an enemy aircraft <ref>Flying Guns: World War II by Anthony G Williams, Emmanuel Gustin (2003), p95</ref>, of which 250 rounds needed to hit (i.e. a full 2-second burst). The accurate placing of the shot was essential, as it lacked sufficient energy to cause structural damage.
−
* The design used an open bolt mechanism to allow air to flow through the barrel and prevent overheating. This worked well at lower altitudes, but caused icing at high altitude. The red canvas wing-port covering kept the gun clean and warm; later marks also ducted hot air from the engine to regulate the breech temperature. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire#Armament</ref>
+
* The design used an open bolt mechanism to allow air to flow through the barrel and prevent overheating. This worked well at lower altitudes but caused icing at high altitude. The red canvas wing-port covering kept the gun clean and warm; later marks also ducted hot air from the engine to regulate the breech temperature. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire#Armament</ref>
−
* RAF recommended convergence in 1939 was 400 yards [365 meters] in contrast to the Luftwaffe, with experience from the Spanish Civil War, using 200 meters (which the RAF adopted by mid-1940). Although many high scoring pilots reduced this, closing to 150 yards  [137 meters] or less for an accurate kill, others ignored convergence altogether or went to a box-shot where paired guns were set to different convergences.
+
* RAF recommended convergence in 1939 was 400 yards [365 meters] in contrast to the Luftwaffe, with experience from the Spanish Civil War, using 200 meters (which the RAF adopted by mid-1940). Although many high scoring pilots reduced this, close to 150 yards  [137 meters] or less for an accurate kill, others ignored convergence altogether or went to a box-shot where paired guns were set to different convergences.
−
* Choice of ammunition is essential as AP and ball rounds rely on kinetic energy to cause damage, which is lost quickly in small calibre rounds. The API round will also transfer chemical energy into the target and so will be more effective on lightly armoured targets, particularly if they hit something flammable. Pure tracer rounds help targeting, especially in combat manoeuvres where lead varies, but have little penetration on contact. <ref>http://users.skynet.be/Emmanuel.Gustin/fgun/fgun-fi.html</ref>
+
* Choice of ammunition is essential as AP and ball rounds rely on kinetic energy to cause damage, which is lost quickly in small calibre rounds. The API round will also transfer chemical energy into the target and so will be more effective on lightly armoured targets, particularly if they hit something flammable. Pure tracer rounds help to target, especially in combat manoeuvres where lead varies, but have little penetration on contact. <ref>http://users.skynet.be/Emmanuel.Gustin/fgun/fgun-fi.html</ref>
 
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
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== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
−
In 1940, in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire flew to intercept enemy fighters because of its speed and agility, while the [[Hurricane Mk I/L|Hurricanes]] were sent to destroy the German [[He 111 H-3|Heinkel Bombers]]. This same logic can be applied to War Thunder Realistic Battles: the Spitfire should first climb, using its excellent rate-of-climb, then intercept high patrolling fighters, if possible, bringing them lower. The Spitfire is fast, with a top speed of around 600 kph, although in a straight line it normally only reaches around 460 kph. Do not engage head-on in the Spitfire. Doing so can destroy your engine, and your gun convergence won't save you. Avoid head-on engagements and go for turn fights. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight you. To avoid destruction, climb quickly away from them, then dart back into their trajectory arc, normally underneath them (high yoyo). You can perform this manoeuvre easily since you have a good lift rate. Eventually the opponent will miss and/or overshoot, allowing you to destroy them, or will dive, which you can follow. But be careful. The Spitfire will wing rip at around 500 kph or less, so don't pull hard or your wings will fly away...
+
In 1940, in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire flew to intercept enemy fighters because of its speed and agility, while the [[Hurricane Mk I/L|Hurricanes]] were sent to destroy the German [[He 111 H-3|Heinkel Bombers]]. This same logic can be applied to War Thunder Realistic Battles: the Spitfire should first climb, using its excellent rate-of-climb, then intercept high patrolling fighters, if possible, bringing them lower. The Spitfire is fast, with a top speed of around 600 kph, although in a straight line it normally only reaches around 460 kph. Do not engage head-on in the Spitfire. Doing so can destroy your engine, and your gun convergence won't save you. Avoid head-on engagements and go for turn fights. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight you. To avoid destruction, climb quickly away from them, then dart back into their trajectory arc, normally underneath them (high yoyo). You can perform this manoeuvre easily since you have a good lift rate. Eventually, the opponent will miss and/or overshoot, allowing you to destroy them, or will dive, which you can follow. But be careful. The Spitfire will wing rip at around 500 kph or less, so don't pull hard or your wings will fly away...
  
 
The Spitfire has a relatively good ammo count. The 4-digit ammo can be deceiving, since there are 8 guns on the aircraft, making only around 400 rpg. You can use this to ground attack light or un-armoured targets, usually with stealth or omni-purpose belts, but this job should be left to dedicated gun-platforms, like the Hurricane and [[F6F-5|Hellcat]].
 
The Spitfire has a relatively good ammo count. The 4-digit ammo can be deceiving, since there are 8 guns on the aircraft, making only around 400 rpg. You can use this to ground attack light or un-armoured targets, usually with stealth or omni-purpose belts, but this job should be left to dedicated gun-platforms, like the Hurricane and [[F6F-5|Hellcat]].
Line 169: Line 174:
 
When in a fight with an enemy plane which is not Japanese, proceed to entice them into a turn fight. Wait until they get close enough and then turn into them, forcing a turning fight.
 
When in a fight with an enemy plane which is not Japanese, proceed to entice them into a turn fight. Wait until they get close enough and then turn into them, forcing a turning fight.
  
−
The Spitfire Mk Ia is a plane known for it's manoeuvrability. It is faster than Japanese planes, so if attacked by one, either use a Rolling Scissors technique or just fly away. If in a good position, Boom & Zoom it.
+
The Spitfire Mk Ia is a plane known for its manoeuvrability. It is faster than Japanese planes, so if attacked by one, either use a Rolling Scissors technique or just fly away. If in a good position, Boom & Zoom it.
  
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
  
−
* Japanese planes - The Japanese fighter planes like the Ki-43 and A6M will turn all over the Spitfire. As such, do not exploit the Spitfire's turning ability against a Japanese opponent. Instead, use the Merlin engine power on the Spitfire to try and outrun the Japanese plane. When attacking Japanese plane, try to use Boom-N-Zoom tactics rather than turning to keep an energy advantage over the opponent.
+
* Japanese planes - The Japanese fighter planes like the Ki-43 and A6M will turn all over the Spitfire. As such, do not exploit the Spitfire's turning ability against a Japanese opponent. Instead, use the Merlin engine power on the Spitfire to try and outrun the Japanese plane. When attacking a Japanese plane, try to use Boom & Zoom tactics rather than turning to keep an energy advantage over the opponent.
−
* Biplanes - Biplanes may be slow, but they are among some of the most maneuverable aircraft in War Thunder. You must not try to turn fight them. Instead, climb or dive away from them and then use Boom-N-Zoom tactics. Luckily, biplanes are fragile and your eight machine guns will tear them apart.  
+
* Biplanes - Biplanes may be slow, but they are among some of the most manoeuvrable aircraft in War Thunder. You must not try to turn-fight them. Instead, climb or dive away from them and then use Boom & Zoom tactics. Luckily, biplanes are fragile and your eight machine guns will tear them apart.  
−
* Heavy Bombers - Although you have eight machine guns, they are only 7.7 mms. With larger aircraft, you may find yourself expending all of your ammunition and not even coming away with a kill. The Spitfire is also quite fragile. You need to be careful of defensive turrets. Even light machine guns can take out your engine, kill your pilot and destroy combat surfaces.
+
* Heavy Bombers - Although you have eight machine guns, they are only 7.7 mm machine guns. With larger aircraft, you may find yourself expending all of your ammunition and not even coming away with a kill. The Spitfire is also quite fragile. You need to be careful of defensive turrets. Even light machine guns can take out your engine, kill your pilot and destroy combat surfaces.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Machine guns only effective if target is hit in continuous bursts
+
* Machine guns only effective if the target is hit in continuous bursts
 
* Machine gun armament lacks the long range hitting power of cannons
 
* Machine gun armament lacks the long range hitting power of cannons
 
* Ammo can run out quickly in prolonged, uncontrolled bursts
 
* Ammo can run out quickly in prolonged, uncontrolled bursts
 
* Wing-mounted armament takes wing convergence into consideration
 
* Wing-mounted armament takes wing convergence into consideration
−
* Quick kills against large bombers without a pilot snipe is difficult, prolonged engagements exposes the Spitfire to the defensive gunners
+
* Quick kills against large bombers without a pilot snipe is difficult, prolonged engagements expose the Spitfire to the defensive gunners
 
* Bad high altitude performance
 
* Bad high altitude performance
 
* Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 kph
 
* Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 kph
 
* Not the best diver, wings tend to rip (RB/SB)
 
* Not the best diver, wings tend to rip (RB/SB)
 
* Less-than-average energy retention
 
* Less-than-average energy retention
−
* Fragile construction, a damage to airframe, control surfaces, or engine can cripple plane
+
* Fragile construction, damage to the airframe, control surfaces, or engine can cripple the plane
−
* Pulling Negative G's (realistic/simulator only) can cause the carburetor(engine) to fail!
+
* Pulling Negative G's (realistic/simulator only) can cause the carburettor (engine) to fail!
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 
<!--''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
"Despite the British Air Ministry’s preference for biplane fighters in the early 1930s, Supermarine designer RJ Mitchell began work on an all-metal construction, single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. The Spitfire (Prototype K5054) made its first flight on March 5th 1936, and after demonstrating superb handling qualities, was ordered into mass production for the RAF. The first Spitfires entered service with No.19 Squadron at RAF Duxford in August 1938.
 +
 +
Initially, the Mk I variant was equipped with type A wings and four wing-mounted Colt-Browning Mk II .303 (7.7mm) machine guns, although this was soon increased to eight. Further upgrades included the use of a Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine instead of the original 1030 HP Merlin II; the original two blade fixed pitch wooden propeller was also replaced with a metal, variable pitch three bladed propeller of either Rotol or De Havilland design. A bulged canopy, bullet proof windscreen, armor plating and hydraulics to operate the gear and flaps were also introduced, partly as a result of the combat experience gained by Hurricane squadrons during the Battle of France.
 +
 +
The first Spitfires had a basic targeting system consisting of a ringed sight, but by July of 1939 a more sophisticated collimator sight, the GM2 Mk II, began to be used; machines already in service were retrofitted with the new sights.
 +
 +
In 1940, 30 aircraft were delivered to front line service for Operational Trials with the new Type B wing; the Spitfire Mk IB was armed with two 20mm Hispano cannon and four 0.303 Browning machine guns, and the older eight gun fighters were re-designated the Mk IA. However, the drum feed for the 20mm cannon proved to be very unreliable and prone to jamming, so the Mk IB was withdrawn from service.
 +
 +
At the time of its introduction, right through the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, the Spitfire Mk I was considered by many to be the greatest fighter aircraft in the world. By the time the Spitfire Mk II began to replace it, 1566 Mk Is had been built."
 +
 
=== Aces ===
 
=== Aces ===
 
The Spitfire Mk.1A was the iconic British aircraft of the Battle of Britain. Leading Spitfire aces of this battle were: <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Few</ref>
 
The Spitfire Mk.1A was the iconic British aircraft of the Battle of Britain. Leading Spitfire aces of this battle were: <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Few</ref>

Revision as of 11:10, 20 May 2019

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
Spitfire Mk Ia
spitfire_mk1.png
Spitfire Mk Ia
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 3.0 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire Mk Ia. For other uses, see Spitfire (Family).

Description

GarageImage Spitfire Mk Ia.jpg


The Spitfire Mk Ia is a rank II British fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB), 3.0 (RB), and 2.3 (SB). This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The Spitfire Mk Ia is one of the British tree line first monoplane designs, alongside the Hurricanes. The Spitfire is most distinctive with its sleek and thin elliptical wing design, a characteristic seen in most future Spitfire variants. The wing on the Spitfire is a Type A, as implied by the name "Mk Ia", which contained four .303 machine guns per wing with a total of eight machine guns.

Its default paint coat consists of a green and tan two-tone colouring, with a white undercoat. The Spitfire Mk Ia possess the Royal Air Force Type A.1 roundel on the fuselage with a yellow outer ring, followed by blue, white, and then a red centre. On the wings, the Type B roundels are painted with a simple blue outer ring and a red centre. The red, white, blue fin flap exist on the tail vertical stabilizer.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
523 508 10,000 16.9 17.7 7.5 10.8 300
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
619 584 10,000 14.7 15.0 30.0 19.5 300

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
760 270 290 ~14 ~8
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 321 < 400 < 465 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,900 m 1,020 hp 1,357 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
  • 4 mm Steel - Armor plate in pilot's seat
  • 6-7 mm Steel -Armor plate behind the pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning .303 (7.7 mm)

The Spitfire Mk Ia is armed with:

  • 8 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 2,800 total)

Notes:

  • 153 rounds per second total output (1150 rpm x 8 / 60).
  • Muzzle velocity 2,660 feet/second [810 m/s]. [1]
  • The .303 was a rifle round, accurate but fairly ineffective in air combat unless in skilled hands. The calibre was chosen over the .50 as it was lighter, had a higher rate of fire and was less susceptible to jamming. However, it required an average 4500 rounds to disable an enemy aircraft [2], of which 250 rounds needed to hit (i.e. a full 2-second burst). The accurate placing of the shot was essential, as it lacked sufficient energy to cause structural damage.
  • The design used an open bolt mechanism to allow air to flow through the barrel and prevent overheating. This worked well at lower altitudes but caused icing at high altitude. The red canvas wing-port covering kept the gun clean and warm; later marks also ducted hot air from the engine to regulate the breech temperature. [3]
  • RAF recommended convergence in 1939 was 400 yards [365 meters] in contrast to the Luftwaffe, with experience from the Spanish Civil War, using 200 meters (which the RAF adopted by mid-1940). Although many high scoring pilots reduced this, close to 150 yards [137 meters] or less for an accurate kill, others ignored convergence altogether or went to a box-shot where paired guns were set to different convergences.
  • Choice of ammunition is essential as AP and ball rounds rely on kinetic energy to cause damage, which is lost quickly in small calibre rounds. The API round will also transfer chemical energy into the target and so will be more effective on lightly armoured targets, particularly if they hit something flammable. Pure tracer rounds help to target, especially in combat manoeuvres where lead varies, but have little penetration on contact. [4]

Usage in the battles

In 1940, in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire flew to intercept enemy fighters because of its speed and agility, while the Hurricanes were sent to destroy the German Heinkel Bombers. This same logic can be applied to War Thunder Realistic Battles: the Spitfire should first climb, using its excellent rate-of-climb, then intercept high patrolling fighters, if possible, bringing them lower. The Spitfire is fast, with a top speed of around 600 kph, although in a straight line it normally only reaches around 460 kph. Do not engage head-on in the Spitfire. Doing so can destroy your engine, and your gun convergence won't save you. Avoid head-on engagements and go for turn fights. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight you. To avoid destruction, climb quickly away from them, then dart back into their trajectory arc, normally underneath them (high yoyo). You can perform this manoeuvre easily since you have a good lift rate. Eventually, the opponent will miss and/or overshoot, allowing you to destroy them, or will dive, which you can follow. But be careful. The Spitfire will wing rip at around 500 kph or less, so don't pull hard or your wings will fly away...

The Spitfire has a relatively good ammo count. The 4-digit ammo can be deceiving, since there are 8 guns on the aircraft, making only around 400 rpg. You can use this to ground attack light or un-armoured targets, usually with stealth or omni-purpose belts, but this job should be left to dedicated gun-platforms, like the Hurricane and Hellcat.

When in a fight with an enemy plane which is not Japanese, proceed to entice them into a turn fight. Wait until they get close enough and then turn into them, forcing a turning fight.

The Spitfire Mk Ia is a plane known for its manoeuvrability. It is faster than Japanese planes, so if attacked by one, either use a Rolling Scissors technique or just fly away. If in a good position, Boom & Zoom it.

Specific enemies worth noting

  • Japanese planes - The Japanese fighter planes like the Ki-43 and A6M will turn all over the Spitfire. As such, do not exploit the Spitfire's turning ability against a Japanese opponent. Instead, use the Merlin engine power on the Spitfire to try and outrun the Japanese plane. When attacking a Japanese plane, try to use Boom & Zoom tactics rather than turning to keep an energy advantage over the opponent.
  • Biplanes - Biplanes may be slow, but they are among some of the most manoeuvrable aircraft in War Thunder. You must not try to turn-fight them. Instead, climb or dive away from them and then use Boom & Zoom tactics. Luckily, biplanes are fragile and your eight machine guns will tear them apart.
  • Heavy Bombers - Although you have eight machine guns, they are only 7.7 mm machine guns. With larger aircraft, you may find yourself expending all of your ammunition and not even coming away with a kill. The Spitfire is also quite fragile. You need to be careful of defensive turrets. Even light machine guns can take out your engine, kill your pilot and destroy combat surfaces.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings Repair Engine
IV 100 Octane Fuel Engine Injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good anti-fighter armament of eight machine guns that can shred them apart
  • Outstanding turn time, very good at turning fights
  • Good roll rate at low speed
  • Good performance at low altitude, less than ~4.5 km
  • Better-than-average top speed
  • Better-than-average rate of climb
  • Decent amount of armour, a front 38 mm glass and rear 4-7 mm steel plates
  • 100 octane fuel modification provides roughly 15% increase in engine power

Cons:

  • Machine guns only effective if the target is hit in continuous bursts
  • Machine gun armament lacks the long range hitting power of cannons
  • Ammo can run out quickly in prolonged, uncontrolled bursts
  • Wing-mounted armament takes wing convergence into consideration
  • Quick kills against large bombers without a pilot snipe is difficult, prolonged engagements expose the Spitfire to the defensive gunners
  • Bad high altitude performance
  • Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 kph
  • Not the best diver, wings tend to rip (RB/SB)
  • Less-than-average energy retention
  • Fragile construction, damage to the airframe, control surfaces, or engine can cripple the plane
  • Pulling Negative G's (realistic/simulator only) can cause the carburettor (engine) to fail!

History

In-game description

"Despite the British Air Ministry’s preference for biplane fighters in the early 1930s, Supermarine designer RJ Mitchell began work on an all-metal construction, single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. The Spitfire (Prototype K5054) made its first flight on March 5th 1936, and after demonstrating superb handling qualities, was ordered into mass production for the RAF. The first Spitfires entered service with No.19 Squadron at RAF Duxford in August 1938.

Initially, the Mk I variant was equipped with type A wings and four wing-mounted Colt-Browning Mk II .303 (7.7mm) machine guns, although this was soon increased to eight. Further upgrades included the use of a Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine instead of the original 1030 HP Merlin II; the original two blade fixed pitch wooden propeller was also replaced with a metal, variable pitch three bladed propeller of either Rotol or De Havilland design. A bulged canopy, bullet proof windscreen, armor plating and hydraulics to operate the gear and flaps were also introduced, partly as a result of the combat experience gained by Hurricane squadrons during the Battle of France.

The first Spitfires had a basic targeting system consisting of a ringed sight, but by July of 1939 a more sophisticated collimator sight, the GM2 Mk II, began to be used; machines already in service were retrofitted with the new sights.

In 1940, 30 aircraft were delivered to front line service for Operational Trials with the new Type B wing; the Spitfire Mk IB was armed with two 20mm Hispano cannon and four 0.303 Browning machine guns, and the older eight gun fighters were re-designated the Mk IA. However, the drum feed for the 20mm cannon proved to be very unreliable and prone to jamming, so the Mk IB was withdrawn from service.

At the time of its introduction, right through the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, the Spitfire Mk I was considered by many to be the greatest fighter aircraft in the world. By the time the Spitfire Mk II began to replace it, 1566 Mk Is had been built."

Aces

The Spitfire Mk.1A was the iconic British aircraft of the Battle of Britain. Leading Spitfire aces of this battle were: [5]

Name Nationality Squadron
Pilot Officer Eric Lock British 41
Flying Officer Brian Carbury New Zealand 603
Pilot Officer Colin Gray New Zealand 54
Pilot Officer Bob Doe British 234
Flight Lieutenant Paterson Hughes Australia 234

Media

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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

  1. ↑ http://www.aviation-history.com/guns/303.htm
  2. ↑ Flying Guns: World War II by Anthony G Williams, Emmanuel Gustin (2003), p95
  3. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire#Armament
  4. ↑ http://users.skynet.be/Emmanuel.Gustin/fgun/fgun-fi.html
  5. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Few
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