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Malta Spits. Question for the experts.

Evening chaps

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/bensummerfield/D662957A-676C-4589-81E2-ED472A17C1DE_zpsawuarlui.jpg

I’ve looked at Malta Spitfire photos 100’s of times and only noticed today the tear drop bulge over the machine gun bay, most Op Bowery etc Spits in the BR serial range seem to have them. What are they for? Extra fuel/oil? Storage for spares or pilots belongings? Something to do with the long range tanks? I’m baffled!

Any help appreciated

Ben.

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By: anneorac - 4th May 2016 at 10:15

In the C wing the Brownings were moved one rib closer together. I’m presuming that this bulge, which appears to where the ammunition boxes would be, is there to aid the revised feed arrangement?

Just a guess!

Anne

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By: bensummerfield - 3rd May 2016 at 17:21

Thanks for the replies chaps, all seem plausible explanations.

Here’s another picture showing them on both sides. Again a Vc in the BR serial range on Malta.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/bensummerfield/3DDA0CA8-B4E2-42CE-88C2-60D545F321EE_zpskp4svteh.jpg

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By: stuart gowans - 3rd May 2016 at 12:13

Storage for spares or pilots belongings?

I fear neither of the blisters are large enough for an over-night bag….

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By: DazDaMan - 3rd May 2016 at 10:37

Indeed. It’s roughly in the position of the outer Browning .303.

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By: Graham Boak - 3rd May 2016 at 10:11

I think the poster is talking about the outer, smaller, bulge. It is a feature of early universal wing production (i.e. early Mk.Vc). I have seen two explanations for it: firstly that it was associated with a change in aileron actuators on the early Mk.Vc wing, and secondly that it was because of a change in the heating arrangements for the outer guns. I think that the latter explanation came from Edgar Brooks’ researches.

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By: Kye - 3rd May 2016 at 09:44

The ammunition drum for 60 rounds of 20mm.

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By: DazDaMan - 3rd May 2016 at 08:19

Hmm. I’ve never really noticed that before, either!

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By: sycamore - 2nd May 2016 at 23:00

Bigger guns…..

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