A question for OZZY

[olderndirt]

Been admiring your green Spitfire two-place and wondering what the circular logo - similar to that of Korean Air - represents.

[Sean_TK]

I hope you don't mind a response from me....

The logo is that of the Irish Air Corps. You can get the two seat spit in that specific livery here:
http://www.heavenlyhangars.com/ahmembers/specials.html

[Hagar]

Been admiring your green Spitfire two-place and wondering what the circular logo - similar to that of Korean Air - represents.

I took that photo of IAC161 at Duxford a couple of years ago. 8-)

She is no longer all-green or in IAC markings. http://www.arc-duxford.co.uk/spitTix.htm

[ozzy72]

The lady Spitfire driver would by Carolyn Grace and the famous Grace Spitfire restored by her late husband Nick. Tragically Nick was killed in a car crash some years ago but it is thanks to him that we have a number of rare Spits still flying today including the only PR.XI (also my good friend Harry van der Meer was involved in this one)

[olderndirt]

Going to have to dig out the video now - it's VHS tape and probably a little dusty.

[Hagar]

Carolyn Grace has her own website. Lots of information there. http://www.ml407.co.uk/

[C]

[quote]Going to have to dig out the video now - it's VHS tape and probably a little dusty.

[homebrewer]

Downloaded it. Auto-installer. Nice machine. You are in the rear hole. I recommend it for your hangar...

Question for Ozzy: What is the recommended RPM for the engine at sensible cruising speeds. I see the tach goes to 8,000 rpm or so. Surely, this will never happen. The prop is constant-speed, which I assume means it always turns at the same speed regardless of throttle setting once the throttle is above its lowest setting, yes? I always thought turning any such big blade at anything above 2300 or 2400 rpm would send the tips beyond supersonic and thus render the prop ineffective as a propulsion device...

[C]

Question for Ozzy: What is the recommended RPM for the engine at sensible cruising speeds. I see the tach goes to 8,000 rpm or so. Surely, this will never happen. The prop is constant-speed, which I assume means it always turns at the same speed regardless of throttle setting once the throttle is above its lowest setting, yes? I always thought turning any such big blade at anything above 2300 or 2400 rpm would send the tips beyond supersonic and thus render the prop ineffective as a propulsion device...

Sounds like you need the pilot's notes.

For Spitfire IX, XI, XVI pilot's notes:

Just like this!

Page 9 and 20 for engine limitations and suggested settings.

[homebrewer]

Quite tasty info. Those engines must have been very finely machined and balanced to swing a 12-foot prop at 3,000 rpm. Fabulous work...

[C]

Quite tasty info. Those engines must have been very finely machined and balanced to swing a 12-foot prop at 3,000 rpm. Fabulous work...

Thank the Ford Motor Company's UK division.