Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb
Description
The Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most
beautifully designed single seat fighter to appear during the
Second World War. Conceived by the renowned British designer
Reginald J. Mitchell, the protoype first flew on 5 March 1936.
It was an advanced, low wing monoplane with a very slim
fuselage and smooth flush riveted metal skin.
The Mk I and II versions demonstrated their formidable
performance during the “Battle of Britain”, and by early 1941,
the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with this
fighter. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every
effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its
opponents. Early improvements resulted in the Mk. V series of
Spitfires which became the most widely produced version of all
Mk’s. The main improvement was the furnishing of three wing
armament versions, and the use of the more powerful Merlin type
45 engine, and the “fishtail” flame damping exhaust stubs. The
most numerous Mk.V was the “b” winged version with a mixed
armament of two 7.7mm machine guns and one 20mm cannon in each
wing.
Although the famous elliptical shaped wing was retained on most
Spitfires, some Mk. Vb’s had clipped wing tips for better low
altitude manurverability. The Spitfire went through numerous
minor and major changes throughout its production life, and
served with distinction on every battle front of the war.
