Dynam Supermarine Spitfire MK.VB 1200mm Seaplane

History

    With the German invasion of Norway in April 1940 the RAF took an interest in the concept of using floatplane fighters in areas where airfields were not immediately available.
To this end a Spitfire Mk 1 R6722 was taken in hand at the Woolston factory to be modified and mounted on Blackburn Roc floats.
It was found that the concept was basically sound, although the vertical tail surfaces would need to be enlarged to couterbalance the side area of the floats.
The end of the Battle of Norway and the need for as many Spitfires as possible meant that R6772 was converted back to an ordinary figher without being flown.

 

    With the entry of Japan into the war the concept was revived in early 1942.
A Spitfire V W3760 was fitted with a pair of floats 25 ft 7 in long, mounted on cantilever legs.
This aircraft was powered by a Merlin 45 driving a four-bladed propeller of 11 ft 3 in diameter.
A Vokes filter was fitted to the carburetor air intake and under the tail an extra fin extension was added. The Spitfire floatplane was first flown on 12 October 1942 by Jeffrey Quill.
Soon afterwards the Vokes filter was replaced by an Aero-Vee filter, similar to that on later Merlin 61 series aircraft, which was extended to prevent water entry, and full Mk. VB armament was installed.

 

    Two more VBs were converted and all three float planes were transported to Egypt arriving in October 1943.
At the time it was thought that the float planes could operate from concealed bases in the Dodecanese Islands, disrupting supply lines to German outposts in the area.

 

    Specifications for the VB based float plane included a maximum speed of 324 mph (521 km/h) at 19,500 ft, a maximum rate of climb of 2,450 ft/min at 15,500 ft and an estimated service ceiling of 33,400 ft.

 

    Citation: Supermarine Spitfire (late Merlin-powered variants). (2017, November 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 07:31, January 15, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Supermarine_Spitfire_(late_Merlin-powered_variants)&oldid=811343804
 

Overview

    The Dynam Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VB 1200mm seaplane replaces the retractable landing gear of the Dynam Spitfire 1.2m warbird with double water floats and rudders.
The rudders accurately steer the seaplane on the water.
The airplane which was designed as a fighter has great flexibility and maneuverability in the air.

 

    The Dynam Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VB 1200mm seaplane is powered by a BM3720A-KV650 outer-rotor motor, 50A ESC, 4 blade prop and when coupled with a 14.8V 2200mAh 25C battery this airplane has sufficient power to fly for on average 6 to 10 minutes.
 

    Specifications

    Wingspan: 1200mm (47")

    Overall Length: 1100mm (43.7")

    Flying Weight: 1590g (w/Battery)

    Motor Size: 3720 KV650 Brushless Outrunner Motor

    ESC: Tomcat 50A Brushless ESC

    Servo: 5 x 9g

    Radio: 6 Channel

    Prop Size: 4 Blade

    Recommended Battery: 4S Li-Po 14.8V 2200mAh 25C

    Approx. Flying Duration: 6-10 minutes (average)

    Minimum Age Recommendation: 14+

    Experience Level: Intermediate

    Recommended Environment: Outdoor

    Assembly Time: 120 Minutes

    Material: EPO Foam

 

    Builder's Notes: The aircraft's published CG of 3/14" (80mm) has been proven in flight to be accurate. The builder should be aware that weight needs to be added to the nose in order to balance the aircraft at the CG using the recommended 14.8V 2200mAh 25C battery pushed all the way forward in the battery compartment.

Video Overview: https://youtu.be/rOqI1z8Zg2o

https://youtu.be/S26jXa14vZQ