Difference between revisions of "Spitfire Mk IIa"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfiremkiia}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other versions
+
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 
| link = Spitfire (Family)
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=spitfiremkiia
 
−
|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 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.''-->
−
In 1939, a trial was undertaken in which a [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Spitfire Mk I]] was fitted with a new 1,175-hp Merlin XII engine, the success of which resulted in the designation of a new variant: the Spitfire Mk II. Other improvements included a new, more efficient cooling system, and a move away from the previous external electric engine starting systems. The Mk IIa variant in particular was fitted with the "A-type" wing, allowing an armament of 8 Browning .303 machine guns, much like the preceding Mk Ia. Spitfire Mk IIs were rapidly manufactured and delivered, replacing all Mk Is in active service by April 1941.
+
[[File:GarageImage_SpitfireMkIIa.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''Spitfire Mk IIa''' is a Rank II British fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB) and 3.0 (SB). It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].
 +
 
 +
For those who don't historically know much about the Spitfire, in 1940 in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire flew to intercept enemy ''fighters'' because of its speed and agility- the [[Hurricane Mk I/L| Hurricanes]] were sent to destroy [[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 around 600km/h, although in a straight line, it normally reaches around 460km/h. Do not head-on in the Spitfire- it can destroy the engine and the gun convergence won't help at all- avoid head-ons and go for turn fights. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight the Spitfire- to avoid destruction, climb quickly away from them, then dart back into their trajectory arc, normally underneath them; the Spitfire can do that, since it has good lift rate- eventually, either the opponent will miss and overshoot, allowing the Spitfire to destroy them, or will dive, which the Spitfire can follow, but be careful- the Spitfire will wing rip at around 500 km/h or less, so don't pull too hard or the wings will fly away...
  
−
Introduced in [[Update 1.35]], the Spitfire Mk IIa is an improvement over its predecessor, with an even greater ability to gain the altitude advantage over opposing fighters and dictate the terms of the ensuing dogfight. The Spitfire Mk IIa's main strength continues to be its ability to turn-fight opponents, while its good top speed allows it to pursue any aircraft attempting to disengage and recoup. However, the Mk IIa also retains the same deficiencies of the Mk Ia, namely the weak but numerous Browning machine guns. While they present great volume of fire, they do not have great stopping power and are also quite limited by convergence due to their spread-out nature across the wings, and thus may require a long time on target to successfully down an opponent.
+
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- these can be used to ground attack light or unarmoured 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]]
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight performance ===
+
=== Flight Performance ===
−
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
+
====Stat card====
−
 
+
{| 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 4,572 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 545 || 535 || 10,000 || 16.1 || 16.5 || 14.0 || 16.0 || 300
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Stock
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
−
| 545 || 535 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.1 || 16.5 || 14.0 || 16.0 || rowspan="2" | 300
+
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Upgraded
+
! AB
−
| 599 || 571 || 14.8 || 15.1 || 27.3 || 19.4
+
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 599 || 571 || 10,000 || 14.8 || 15.1 || 27.3 || 19.4 || 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Details ====
+
====Details====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || ✓ || X || X
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~11 || ~6
+
| 760 || 270 || 290 || ~14 || ~8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 500
+
| < 321 || < 400 || < 465 || > 250
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,490 m || 1,140 hp || 1,311 hp
+
| 4,490 m || 1,140 hp || 1,311 hp  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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.'' -->
 
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
 
* 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
−
 
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
+
<!--''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.''-->
−
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
−
{{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.'' -->
 
−
{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 
−
 
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
−
 
 
−
* 8 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 2,800 total)
 
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
The Spitfire Mk IIa is armed with:
−
<!-- ''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 should climb at the beginning of battle in order to utilise its very good climb rate. It can reliably attain an altitude advantage over the enemy, which allows the pilot to pick and choose which engagements they wish to take part in but you should not fight enemies while on high altitude as engine performance is terrible over certain one.
+
* 8 x 7.7 mm [[Browning .303 (7.7 mm)|Browning]] machine gun, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 2800 total)
  
−
The Spitfire also has very good turning characteristics, and turn-fight engagements are usually the best way to fight. It is possible to fake a head-on (by pulling away once your enemy starts firing) if you're forced to by an enemy plane but it is highly recommended to never commit to a head-on engagement. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight you which you need to look out for. You can lose your energy faster than you realize and when you do, you've most likely been baited and are an easy target. However, if you are able to engage the enemy in an extended turn, the plane's great turn rate will work wonders.
+
== 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 (arcade, realistic and simulator battles).''-->
 +
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 has a relatively good ammo count, spread between a very high number of guns. But, the 8 machine guns are only 7.7 mm in calibre, and are wing-mounted, meaning that convergence is an issue. This also means that accuracy when firing head-on can be difficult. It is recommended to set convergence at 300-500 m. This plane's guns can also be used against lightly-armoured ground targets such as artillery, AAA, or howitzers.
+
It is faster than Japanese planes, so if attacked by one, either use a Rolling Scissors technique or just fly away and if in a good position, Boom & Zoom it.
  
−
This plane can often suffer from overheating issues. Be careful about this when deciding to enter into an engagement; if it becomes necessary to reduce throttle and cool the engine in the midst of a turning- or energy-based engagement, there may be an opportunity for the enemy to gain the upper hand.
+
===Manual Engine Control===
−
 
 
−
==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
 
−
 
 
−
* Heavy bombers - Although the Spitfire Mk IIa is armed with 8 guns, they are only 7.7 mm in calibre. So, it can be difficult to destroy heavy fighters, attackers, and especially bombers. It is likely that long bursts will be necessary to destroy such targets, and that gives time for enemy turret gunners to shoot back. Luckily, most bombers at this tier are not defended by turrets from all angles. Try to plan attack runs so that you don't fly in the enemy's line of fire.
 
−
* Bf 109s can do tremendous amounts of damage if you don't watch out. They have quite good turning performance and their energy retention is excellent with a skilled pilot.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
−
! colspan="3" | Radiator
+
! colspan="3" |Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
! Oil
 +
! 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 || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>No automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | 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".'' -->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Great turn rate
 
* Great turn rate
 
* Good roll rate at low speed
 
* Good roll rate at low speed
 +
* Better-than-average top speed
 
* Great rate of climb
 
* Great rate of climb
−
* Decent armour, a front 38 mm glass and rear 4-7 mm steel plates
+
* Better engine power than [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Mk Ia]]
 +
* Decent amount of armour, a front 38 mm glass and rear 4-7 mm steel plates
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Machine guns only effective in continuous bursts and only on short range
+
* 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
 
* Ammo can run out quickly in prolonged, uncontrolled bursts
−
* Quick kills against large bombers are difficult
+
* Quick kills against large bombers without a pilot snipe is difficult, prolonged engagements expose the Spitfire to the defensive gunners
 
* Machine guns cannot penetrate heavily armoured targets
 
* Machine guns cannot penetrate heavily armoured targets
 
* Bad high altitude performance
 
* Bad high altitude performance
 
* Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 km/h
 
* Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 km/h
−
* Pulling negative G's and rolling the plane ([[Realistic Battles|Realistic]]/[[Simulator Battles|simulator]] only) can cause the carburettor (engine) to fail quickly
+
* Pulling negative G's and rolling the plane ([[Realistic Battles|Realistic]]/[[Simulator Battles|simulator]] only) can cause the carburettor (engine) to fail
−
* Terrible water radiator forces you to keep on 90% throttle
 
−
* No combat nor take-off flaps
 
  
 
== 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 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 ===
 +
"The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter which served with various nations from the late 1930s up into the 1950s. It was a single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. A total of some 20,300 Spitfires of all types were built during the war, including two-seater trainers.
 +
 
 +
In the summer of 1939, an early Spitfire Mk I was fitted with the new Rolls Royce Merlin XII engine, which had a higher output of 1175 HP and was fitted with a Coffman engine starter instead of the previous Merlin’s electrical starter system. This, combined with the Rotol variable pitch propeller which had been used on many Spitfire Mk Is would now form the powerplant of the new Spitfire Mk II, although some production models used the De Havilland propeller. The Mk II was some 6-7 mph faster than the later Spitfire Mk I, but still slower than the original Spitfires before a series of modifications increased the aircraft’s weight. As with the Mk I, the Spitfire Mk II was produced with either eight machine guns as the Spitfire Mk IIA, or two 20mm cannon and four machine guns as the Mk IIb. The earlier problems with cannon fitted to the Mk IB had now been solved by introducing a belt feed system to the weapon to replace the earlier drum, turning the cannon on its side and fitting a blister on the wing to house the new mechanism.
  
−
{{break}}
+
920 Spitfire Mk IIs entered service; 750 Mk IIA and 170 MK IIB, although fighters used in the air-sea rescue role were later designated Mk IIC. The Spitfire II quickly replaced the Spitfire I, with the older variant being relegated to use in Operational Training Units. By April 1941, RAF Fighter Command had completed re-equipping with the Mk II, although this too would soon be replaced by the Mk V."
−
{{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}}
 
−
The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter which served with various nations from the late 1930s up into the 1950s. It was a single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. A total of some 20,300 Spitfires of all types were built during the war, including two-seater trainers.
 
  
−
In the summer of 1939, an early Spitfire Mk I was fitted with the new Rolls Royce Merlin XII engine, which had a higher output of 1175 HP and was fitted with a Coffman engine starter instead of the previous Merlin's electrical starter system. This, combined with the Rotol variable pitch propeller which had been used on many Spitfire Mk Is would now form the powerplant of the new Spitfire Mk II, although some production models used the De Havilland propeller. The Mk II was some 10-11 km/h (6-7 mph) faster than the later Spitfire Mk I, but still slower than the original Spitfires before a series of modifications increased the aircraft's weight. As with the Mk I, the Spitfire Mk II was produced with either eight machine guns as the Spitfire Mk IIA, or two 20 mm cannons and four machine guns as the Mk IIb. The earlier problems with cannon fitted to the Mk IB had now been solved by introducing a belt feed system to the weapon to replace the earlier drum, turning the cannon on its side and fitting a blister on the wing to house the new mechanism.
+
=== Notable pilots ===
  
−
920 Spitfire Mk IIs entered service; 750 Mk IIA and 170 MK IIB, although fighters used in the air-sea rescue role were later designated Mk IIC. The Spitfire II quickly replaced the Spitfire I, with the older variant being relegated to use in Operational Training Units. By April 1941, RAF Fighter Command had completed re-equipping with the Mk II, although this too would soon be replaced by the Mk V.
+
<div><ul>
−
{{Navigation-End}}
+
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Douglas_Bader_profile.jpg|thumb|none|220px|User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' was the first Spitfire in which '''[[User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|Douglas Bader]]''' flew. As it was he crashed the first one during take off, however immediately jumped into another and took to the air.]] </li><!--
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>-->
 +
</ul></div>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 +
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23spitfiremkiia '''Skins''' and camouflages for the Spitfire Mk.IIa from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
;Skins
+
== Read also ==
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfiremkiia Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
−
 
 
−
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
  
−
== External links ==
+
''ETC.''
−
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
== Sources ==
 +
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
−
 
+
* ''other literature.''
−
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/287255-supermarine-spitfire-mk-iia/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
−
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}

Revision as of 20:53, 11 July 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Spitfire Mk IIa
spitfiremkiia.png
Spitfire Mk IIa
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:4 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire Mk IIa. For other uses, see Spitfire (Family).

Description

GarageImage Spitfire Mk IIa.jpg


The Spitfire Mk IIa is a Rank II British fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB) and 3.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.35.

For those who don't historically know much about the Spitfire, in 1940 in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire flew to intercept enemy fighters because of its speed and agility- the Hurricanes were sent to destroy 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 around 600km/h, although in a straight line, it normally reaches around 460km/h. Do not head-on in the Spitfire- it can destroy the engine and the gun convergence won't help at all- avoid head-ons and go for turn fights. A sensible opponent will try to energy fight the Spitfire- to avoid destruction, climb quickly away from them, then dart back into their trajectory arc, normally underneath them; the Spitfire can do that, since it has good lift rate- eventually, either the opponent will miss and overshoot, allowing the Spitfire to destroy them, or will dive, which the Spitfire can follow, but be careful- the Spitfire will wing rip at around 500 km/h or less, so don't pull too hard or the 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- these can be used to ground attack light or unarmoured targets, usually with stealth or omni-purpose belts, but this job should be left to dedicated gun-platforms, like the Hurricane and Hellcat

General info

Flight Performance

Stat card

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
545 535 10,000 16.1 16.5 14.0 16.0 300
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
599 571 10,000 14.8 15.1 27.3 19.4 300

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ 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
4,490 m 1,140 hp 1,311 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Rolls-Royce Merlin-XII 12-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
625 kg Inline Water
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 921 hp 1,074 hp
Realistic/Simulator 911 hp 1,064 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,148 hp 1,301 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,020 hp 1,173 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds Infinite

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
  • 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Armaments

Main article: Browning .303 (7.7 mm)

The Spitfire Mk IIa is armed with:

  • 8 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 2800 total)

Usage in the battles

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,

It is faster than Japanese planes, so if attacked by one, either use a Rolling Scissors technique or just fly away and if in a good position, Boom & Zoom it.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
No automatic pitch 		Controllable Not controllable Combined Not controllable Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Eight 7.7 mm machine guns provide great anti-fighter power
  • Great turn rate
  • Good roll rate at low speed
  • Better-than-average top speed
  • Great rate of climb
  • Better engine power than Mk Ia
  • Decent amount of armour, a front 38 mm glass and rear 4-7 mm steel plates

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
  • Quick kills against large bombers without a pilot snipe is difficult, prolonged engagements expose the Spitfire to the defensive gunners
  • Machine guns cannot penetrate heavily armoured targets
  • Bad high altitude performance
  • Roll rate stiffens dramatically at ~350 km/h
  • Pulling negative G's and rolling the plane (Realistic/simulator only) can cause the carburettor (engine) to fail

History

In-game description

"The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter which served with various nations from the late 1930s up into the 1950s. It was a single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. A total of some 20,300 Spitfires of all types were built during the war, including two-seater trainers.

In the summer of 1939, an early Spitfire Mk I was fitted with the new Rolls Royce Merlin XII engine, which had a higher output of 1175 HP and was fitted with a Coffman engine starter instead of the previous Merlin’s electrical starter system. This, combined with the Rotol variable pitch propeller which had been used on many Spitfire Mk Is would now form the powerplant of the new Spitfire Mk II, although some production models used the De Havilland propeller. The Mk II was some 6-7 mph faster than the later Spitfire Mk I, but still slower than the original Spitfires before a series of modifications increased the aircraft’s weight. As with the Mk I, the Spitfire Mk II was produced with either eight machine guns as the Spitfire Mk IIA, or two 20mm cannon and four machine guns as the Mk IIb. The earlier problems with cannon fitted to the Mk IB had now been solved by introducing a belt feed system to the weapon to replace the earlier drum, turning the cannon on its side and fitting a blister on the wing to house the new mechanism.

920 Spitfire Mk IIs entered service; 750 Mk IIA and 170 MK IIB, although fighters used in the air-sea rescue role were later designated Mk IIC. The Spitfire II quickly replaced the Spitfire I, with the older variant being relegated to use in Operational Training Units. By April 1941, RAF Fighter Command had completed re-equipping with the Mk II, although this too would soon be replaced by the Mk V."

Notable pilots

  • The Spitfire Mk IIa was the first Spitfire in which Douglas Bader flew. As it was he crashed the first one during take off, however immediately jumped into another and took to the air.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the Spitfire Mk.IIa from live.warthunder.com.

Read 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.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


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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