Spitfire Trivia - Mk V

[Wing Nut]

Somewhat easier questions this time...

1. Which squadron was the first to recieve a Mk V?

2. Define the major difference in the landing gear between the Mk I and Mk V.

3. What was the intial armament on the Mk V?

4. What was the top speed of a Mk Vb?

5. Which model was the first 'Clipped Wing' Spitfire?

[Woodlouse2002]

1.?
2.?
3. Assuming you mean the MkVA then eight .303 machineguns. However I think it was intended from the outset to have four .303 plus two 20mm cannons. There was also the option for four 20mm cannon on the C wing varient.
4. 369mph
5. The MkVB I believe.

One note though, the only difference between MkV Spitfires was the wing. The A wing had eight .303 machine guns. The B wing had four .303 machine guns and two 20mm hispanio cannons and the C wing had the options for an A and B wing armament or four 20mm hispanio cannons. Ah yes, and the later VC models had Merlin50 engines instead of Merlin45's.

[HawkerTempest5]

First Squadron was no. 92 in Feb '41.
Initial armament was 8 .303 machine guns.
I think the first clipped wing MkV was the Vb. This was done locally at first but later a factory clipped version was produced.
Max speed in the order of 374 mph at 13,000ft.
Not sure about the landing gear. I don't think the link type was in use on this early a model and I think the engine driven pump for raising and lowering was introduced on the MkII.

[Wing Nut]

About time you guys answered.

[Woodlouse2002]

May I point out that the speed provided by Tempest was for the MkVC. MkVB was 369mph at 19,500 feet and the MkVA was 376mph at 19,500 feet.

[Wing Nut]

Darn it; I have to disqualify the landing gear question.

[HawkerTempest5]

According to my quick before bed time research, the first MkV's were built to a contract placed for 450 MkI's placed on 9 August 1939. Aircraft from this contract were built as MkI's, MkVa's and MkVb's between April 1940 and April 1941.

[ozzy72]

I think Roger that some of those might have ended up becoming MkIIs due to engine availability.... But I'll check on that.

Mark