I Want my 4.09 Spit FM's back.........

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

It seems that a minimum of 200mph was recommended, with 230-250 preffered. This represents cruise over friendly/neutral territory; there's no way any self respecting Spitfire pilot wandered around over enemy ground at 170mph - combat cruise should be faster still than even these airspeeds I have given, and at higher revs and boost. I'll see what figures I can find for that, if any.

It seems as you are guessing. Manual clearly sais 170mph lightweight, up to 200mph loaden. Spitfire is a warplane, I don't think, manual were written for flying on sundays-tours.

If you find valuable references for your estimations, also for Mk.VIII/IX etc., then we would be happy to make it that way.

BTW: Spitfires didn't have fixed trim tabs as such. I got told, that they used textile patches on the ailerons, but I've seen no proove for it yet.

Maybe we should also include the issue with the bending wingtips due too high aileron input and thus leading to reverse roll action? Now that would be fun!