US Spitfire Over Berlin

[101RRS]

Got this link from the 4wd Action Forum. A great story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie3S...layer_embedded

I never knew the US Army Airforce had Spitfires and never new that they could make Berlin, let alone stay over there for 30 mins (albeit in a modified aircraft).

Garry

[Pickles2]

I watched all of that...BRILLIANT.
Thanks, Pickles.

[101RRS]

I never knew the US Army Airforce had Spitfires and never new that they could make Berlin, let alone stay over there for 30 mins (albeit in a modified aircraft).

Garry

Does beg the question why Spitfires were not modified earlier in the war as the Mustangs were late in the war to escort bombers over Germany. In particular the use of drop tanks and slight reductions in outright performance to increase range.

Garry

[sheerluck]

The Spitfire was an amazing aircraft, and from what I remember, it didn't exit active service until the early 60's. The engine note is one that sticks in the memory.

[Sleepy]

Thanks for that Garry, a fascinating film.

I imagaine (although will do a bit more research after viewing this) that this Spit was stripped down significantly. (No Guns, extra fuel tank on leading edge, no armoured glass ) so could make the trip. Also at 30,000ft it was at the upper limit of the B17's which would often fly around at low 20's.

The recon Spits that the RAF used were XIV's with cut down wings and operated up to 40,000' or so.

The P51's could make the trip in the thicker air (albeit with drop tanks) and carry weapons.

[Hymie]

Great Video, but the narrator could have the most annoying speaking cadence known to man!

[JDNSW]

Does beg the question why Spitfires were not modified earlier in the war as the Mustangs were late in the war to escort bombers over Germany. In particular the use of drop tanks and slight reductions in outright performance to increase range.

Garry

The Spitfire was a 1934 design (based largely on the 1931 Schneider trophy racing seaplane) intended as a short range fighter - and was arguably among the best in this role used in WW2 - progressively improved, it remained on the front line throughout the war. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed and was known as a "pilot's plane", despite its narrow and fragile undercarriage and poor ground handling.

The Mustang was a 1940 design, with the role of long range escort fighter built in at the design stage. While the six years may not seem a long time,a lot happened during that period, and the Mustang was a much more modern design, being one of the first aircraft anywhere to use laminar flow wings. It was also cheaper to build and repair than the Spitfire. Both aircraft shared the same engine, the RR Merlin, although while the Spitfire was designed around this engine, the Mustang was designed around the Allison, with which it was a flop with the RAF, for whom it was designed, but was transformed by the installation of the Merlin. Most informed observers seem to consider the Mustang as the best all round single eengine fighter to come out of WW2. It remained in Australian service into the Korean War.

John

[Sleepy]

Although I think the FW 190 would have ranked higher if it was built by the allies !

[Bigbjorn]

The F4U Corsair would be well in the running. Long range, high speed, heavily armed.

[Chops]

Isn't it amazing what can be found with google.
The films crystal clear too, thanks for that.