The Spitfire was designed in 1936 as a short range defensive interceptor and is most often remembered for the key role it played in the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire Mk.Is, which became operational in 1938, were the most maneuverable of the lot, being the lightest. Later models, incorporating armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, and eventually adding wing mounted cannon became progressively heavier and slightly less agile despite more than modest increases in engine power. Overall, though, Spitfires always had a good rate of climb and superb maneuverability compared to other fighters. The Spitfire Is and IIs, armed with eight machine guns, had adequate firepower, their only drawback being a lack of range which did not affect them while on the defensive. However, when the RAF went on the offensive in 1941, they were unable to penetrate much past the coast of France even when fitted with drop tanks. The Spitfire V had longer range, and with its bigger engine and two 20mm cannons, it could out-fight even the later models of the Bf 109 with ease. Only the arrival of the German Focke Wulf 190 threatened the Spitfire's dominance and only until the Spitfire Mk.IX appeared. All told, the Spitfire was arguably the best all around fighter fielded by any nation in Europe at the start of World War Two.
TACTICS: Dogfight with tight turns at close range, preferably at medium altitude. You have a good supply of ammunition, so use it.
STRENGTHS: Excellent maneuverability, with good firepower and top speed. A superb dogfighter.
WEAKNESSES: Does not withstand heavy damage, especially in early models that lack armor protection. Fuel tank located dangerously below cockpit, tends to burn pilot when hit.
MODELS:
Mk.IAe: The "e" is not an official designation and serves, for game purposes, to indicate those IA models that used the older two-pitch propeller and 87 octane fuel. It lacks armor.
Mk.IA: The IA model with a constant-speed propeller and high-performance 100 octane fuel obtained from the United States. Most Spitfires were upgraded to this standard by the Battle of Britain. Partial cockpit armor added.
Mk.IIA: Entered service at the very end of the Battle of Britain but did not see extensive service until later in 1940 when Fighter Command began offensive operations against occupied Europe. More armor added.
Mk.IIB: A cannon-equipped variant. Though the cannon often jammed and redesign was clearly needed, pilots found the firepower to be tremendous and cannon were incorporated into later models.
Mk.VA: March 1941 model with the same eight-gun armament found on the Mk.IIA.
Mk.VB: June 1941 model armed with cannon (with the jamming problem of the Mk.IIB solved).
Mk.VC: Spring 1942 model with redesigned wing housing more cannon ammunition and metal ailerons for improved roll rate.
Mk.IXC: Summer 1942 model, able to exceed 400 MPH in level flight.
