24.11.2008, 04:57
I wonder if it would be possible. I don't think it would be much work...the only difference from MkIs is the 1175 HP Merlin XII engine, plus the metal control surfaces instead of fabric (like on late MKIs compared to early ones), which means more menouverability at higher speeds. I wonder if there was this negative-G cutout problem on MkIIs though. What do you think?
Wikipedia:
"In the summer of 1939 an early Mk I K9788 was fitted with a new version of the Merlin, the XII. With the success of the trial it was decided to use this version of the Merlin in the Mk. II which, it was decided, would be the first version to be produced exclusively by the huge new Nuffield "shadow" factory at Castle Bromwich.
Chief among the changes was the upgraded 1,175 hp (876 kW) Merlin XII engine. This engine included a Coffman engine starter, instead of the electric system of earlier Merlins and it required a small "teardrop" blister on the forward starboard cowling. The Merlin XII was cooled by a 70% to 30% water glycol mix, rather than pure glycol used for earlier Merlin versions.
In early 1940 Spitfire Is of 54 and 66 Squadrons were fitted with Rotol manufactured wide-bladed propellers of 10 ft 9 in (3.27 m) diameter, which were recognisable by a bigger, more rounded spinner: the decision was made that the new propeller would also be used exclusively by the Mk II. This engine/propeller combination increased top speed over the late Mk. I by about 6-7 mph below 17,000 feet (5,200 m), and improved climb rate.. Due to all of the weight increases maximum speed performance was still lower than that of early Mk. Is, but combat capability was far better.[7]
The Mk II was produced in IIA eight-gun and IIB cannon armed versions. Deliveries were very rapid, and they quickly replaced all remaining Mk Is in service, which were then sent to Operational Training Units. The RAF had re-equipped with the new version by April 1941.
* A small number of Mk IIs were converted to "Long Range" Spitfires in early 1941. These could be recognised by the fixed 40 gallon (182 litre) fuel tank which was fitted under the port wing. With a full tank manoeuvrability was reduced, maximum speed was 26 mph (42 km/h) lower and the climb rate and service ceiling were also reduced. Several squadrons used this version to provide long-range bomber escort.[7]
* Once the Mk II was taken out of frontline service 50 of them were converted for air-sea rescue work, at first under the designation Mk IIC (type 375) but later referred to as the A.S.R Mk II. The Merlin XII was replaced by the Mark XX, a "rescue pack" was fitted in the flare chute and smoke marker bombs were carried under the port wing.[7]
A total of 921 Mk IIs were built, all by Castle Bromwich.[g]"
Wikipedia:
"In the summer of 1939 an early Mk I K9788 was fitted with a new version of the Merlin, the XII. With the success of the trial it was decided to use this version of the Merlin in the Mk. II which, it was decided, would be the first version to be produced exclusively by the huge new Nuffield "shadow" factory at Castle Bromwich.
Chief among the changes was the upgraded 1,175 hp (876 kW) Merlin XII engine. This engine included a Coffman engine starter, instead of the electric system of earlier Merlins and it required a small "teardrop" blister on the forward starboard cowling. The Merlin XII was cooled by a 70% to 30% water glycol mix, rather than pure glycol used for earlier Merlin versions.
In early 1940 Spitfire Is of 54 and 66 Squadrons were fitted with Rotol manufactured wide-bladed propellers of 10 ft 9 in (3.27 m) diameter, which were recognisable by a bigger, more rounded spinner: the decision was made that the new propeller would also be used exclusively by the Mk II. This engine/propeller combination increased top speed over the late Mk. I by about 6-7 mph below 17,000 feet (5,200 m), and improved climb rate.. Due to all of the weight increases maximum speed performance was still lower than that of early Mk. Is, but combat capability was far better.[7]
The Mk II was produced in IIA eight-gun and IIB cannon armed versions. Deliveries were very rapid, and they quickly replaced all remaining Mk Is in service, which were then sent to Operational Training Units. The RAF had re-equipped with the new version by April 1941.
* A small number of Mk IIs were converted to "Long Range" Spitfires in early 1941. These could be recognised by the fixed 40 gallon (182 litre) fuel tank which was fitted under the port wing. With a full tank manoeuvrability was reduced, maximum speed was 26 mph (42 km/h) lower and the climb rate and service ceiling were also reduced. Several squadrons used this version to provide long-range bomber escort.[7]
* Once the Mk II was taken out of frontline service 50 of them were converted for air-sea rescue work, at first under the designation Mk IIC (type 375) but later referred to as the A.S.R Mk II. The Merlin XII was replaced by the Mark XX, a "rescue pack" was fitted in the flare chute and smoke marker bombs were carried under the port wing.[7]
A total of 921 Mk IIs were built, all by Castle Bromwich.[g]"