SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE FLOATPLANE: A floatplane fighter version of the Supermarine Spitfire initiated during 1942, based on the Mk VB airframe using floats designed by Supermarine (as Supermarine Type 355). Conversion by Folland Aircraft, with a four-bladed propeller on Merlin 45 engines, a tropical filter and an extra ventral fin. First flown on October 12, 1942, and later fitted with an extra dorsal fin and Aero-Vee tropical filter. Two further Mk VB conversions by Folland during 1943, all three to Egypt late-1943 and flown from Great Bitter Lake, but no operational use. One Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IXB, with Merlin 66 and four-bladed propeller (Type 385), similarly converted by Folland, first flown June 18, 1944, later reconverted to land-plane. Data for the Mk VB floatplane: Max speed, 324 mph (521 km/h) at 19,500 feet (5,944 m). Initial climb: 2,240 ft/min (11.38 m/sec). Service ceiling (estimated): 33,400 ft (10,180 m). Empty weight: 6,014 lbs (2,728 kg). Gross weight: 7,580 lbs (3,438 kg). Span, 36 ft 0 in (11.23 m). Length: 35 ft 4 in (10.76 m).
- Scale: 1/24
- Item Type: Static Aircraft
- Model Brief:
- Length: 431mm
- Wingspan: 465 mm
- Total Parts: 284pcs
- Photo Etched Parts: Aileron & Flap hinges
- Film Parts: Instrument part
- Total Sprues: 11pcs
- Paint Schemes: s/n w3760