Team Fusion Wiki

The Spitfire IA has had its engine performance and Lift profile modified to better reflect the historical aircraft's performance.

Merlin III inline liquid cooled engine with Single Stage Supercharger, Full Throttle Height of 15,000 ft at +6 boost (unrammed)

• 3000 rpm at +6 boost

• 2600 rpm at +6 boost

• 2600 rpm at +3 boost

Aircraft has a Rotol Constant Speed Propellor, maximum rpms at 3000.

The aircraft has a liquid cooled, (100% Glycol) engine. Shutters can be opened and closed by the pilot to regulate the Radiator coolant temperature. In addition the aircraft has an automatic Oil Cooler, which is not controlled by the pilot. Gauges for both Radiator and Oil Cooler temperatures are displayed on the right side of cockpit dashboard.

• Minimum: 60c
• Normal: 105-115c
• Maximum: 116-120c

• Minimum: 40c
• Normal: 90-95c
• Maximum: 96-98c

Note: Engine damage due to coolant or oil overheat CAN occur at lower than MAX temperatures. BEWARE of going close to those limits.

1. Magneto 1 + 2 switches 'On'
2. Fuel Control to 'Open'
3. Radiator Closed
4. Throttle to 10% open
5. Start

Engine must be warmed prior to takeoff. Leave Radiator closed till following:

1. Radiator Temperature gauge should read 60c prior to takeoff
2. Oil Temperature must be 40c prior to takeoff.

The Aircraft's radiator should be opened full before taxiing. The Spitfire is taxied using a combination of low engine power with applications of rudder and brakes providing the steering input. Pilots need to be very careful when applying brakes, as the aircraft can tip onto its nose easily. Pilots should use a 'fishtail' pattern during taxiing so they can see any obstacles in front of them.

1. Open Radiator to 100%
2. Select Full Fine Pitch (3000 rpm)
3. Use +6 boost Throttle setting

1. Raise undercarriage
2. Reduce power to +3 boost
3. Reduce rpms to 2600

The aircraft has trim for elevator and rudder. Pilots use the Sideslip Indicator on the right side of the cockpit dashboard to trim their rudder accurately. Needle should be centered. Pilots may also use the rudder to center the sideslip needle during combat for accurate shooting.

Max. Speed at Sea Level: 282 mph

Aircraft has a single stage supercharger, with the rammed Full throttle height being approx. 16250 feet. Performance falls off above this height.

The Spitfire IA is a responsive and maneuverable gun platform at low, medium and high altitudes although it is slower than the Bf-109 at all altitudes. It is faster than the Bf-110 at all altitudes. It will outturn 109's and 110's at low and medium and high altitudes. It loses performance at higher altitudes, especially over 25,000ft.

1. Open radiator to 75%, adjust as necessary to control temperature
2. Select +6 boost
3. Select 2650 rpm
4. At 25,000 ft, raise rpms to 2750, increasing to 2850 as ceiling is approached
5. Climb at 160-165mph Indicated Airspeed to start, decreasing to 120 mph at ceiling.

The engine is equipped with a carburetor which allows the pilot to select either 'Rich' or 'Lean' mixtures. 'Rich' mixture is used in all normal situations, takeoff, landing, climb, combat. 'Lean' mixture is only used to conserve fuel in level flight Cruise settings, and only when boost is set to '+1' or lower, and rpms to 2600 or lower. Use of 'Lean' mixture setting at higher rpms or boost will result in the destruction of the engine.

Maximum Dive Speed: 420 mph Indicated Airspeed.

Pilots should exercise caution when pulling out of a high speed dive, they should be cautious about using full elevator, especially with nose up elevator trim, and should be especially cautious when they have taken damage to their wings.

1. Set rpms to 3000
2. Reduce throttle to slow aircraft to 160 mph
3. Select Down Flaps
4. Select Undercarriage down
5. Trim aircraft for level flight, reduce speed to 130 mph
6. Runway glide approach speed at 120 mph, reduce to 100mph over threshold, cutting throttle. Holding the nose level, allow the aircraft to sink gently at 100 mph, touching at 90mph.
7. Make sure the aircraft is settled on all three wheels before beginning to brake, pump brakes extremely gently and do not hold them. The Spitfire has a tendency to tip over onto its nose if anything other than very gentle braking is used.