Jack Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 Since i'm no spitfire expert i'll just lay it out for anyone who can answer this one: Did a spitfire EVER carry any external fuel tanks, like e.g. underwing tanks on pylons, or a centre line fuel tank? I actually couldn't find any picture showing the spit with this feature. HTH Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 The slipper tank was used and is included in the Tamiya kit. I don't think actual drop tanks like that seen on Mustangs and P-47 were used, or at least not commonly used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 Ron, by slipper tank you mean the bulged appearance underneath the fuselage centre section? And if so, could that slipper tank be jettisoned? J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn M Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 yes the slipper could be dropped. It had hooks at the rear to facilitate its departure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) Hi Shawn, thanks for the info, but just to be sure, this slipper tank could be dropped inflight, e.g. when engaging in a dogfight? J. Edited April 16, 2012 by Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 Have a look at this Yes it could be jettisoned although if I recall it would not always drop away clean and bounced down the fuse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 Thanks Ron, that clarifies a lot, mistery solved. thanks everyone. J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kagemusha Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) The Mk IX carried one which was very similar, if not the same as fitted to the Typhoon, but not the Hurricane. A useful thread http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=57262 & 1/48 version http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=11&products_id=312 A couple of pics, courtesy of Edgar Edited April 16, 2012 by Kagemusha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted April 17, 2012 Author Share Posted April 17, 2012 thanks Andy, this really complements my search, appreciate it. cheers, Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
is it windy yet? Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Seafire's in the pacific were able to carry a p-40's centerline drop tank. They didn't try this until very late in the war, but it sure made a huge difference in the flight times for the seafire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted April 17, 2012 Author Share Posted April 17, 2012 Well to "actualize" this question: A couple of days ago, in our control tower, we were visited by a veteran pilot of the dutch 322 squadron, who told his story about crashlanding his Spitfire after having been hit by FLAK at the end of WW2, and he commented on having to drop his fueltank before trying to land. He must have been very lucky for he was able to land his Spit, and walk away from it, when flying low below an overcast, and his wingman had the same fate when checking up on him. And so i was curious on the tank issue and how it was used. Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgar Brooks Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 According to the memoirs of a Norwegian pilot, stationed at North Weald (north-west of London,) it was their usual practice to cross the Channel at sea-level, jettison their tanks as they reached the French coast, then climb to their operational altitude. Edgar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now