Just reading a book “R.J. Mitchell Schooldays to Spitfire” and came across something which raised a question in my mind. It is a well known fact that the MkI Spitfire had a de HAVILLAND VP prop and the MkII had a Rotol one.
My question is this: Are there any instances where the reverse situation occurred?
With the vast wealth of in depth knowledge about so many different types collectively housed on this forum I feel sure that if it did happen someone will be able to tell me. Looking forward to the answer even if it is No, at least it will answer my query one way or the other.
Mike
By: mike currill - 19th February 2011 at 08:55
Much the way I was thinking. I would have been very surprised if it hadn’t happened.
By: antoni - 18th February 2011 at 17:52
More to do with where they were built. Supermarine and Westland (Mk I) fitted de Havilland while CBAF (Mk II) fitted Rotol. The ‘wrong’ type might be fitted as a replacement especially after accidents.
By: mike currill - 18th February 2011 at 08:48
Thank you for your reply. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but whenever I try to use the search option I never seem to get what I’m looking for. I did think it was likely that there would have been occasions where both marks would have been fitted with what could be considered the wrong prop for various reasons i.e. being fitted with one type and ending up with a damaged prop but they have one of the other type to hand which is serviceable so they do a swap to get the aircraft back in service without undue delay.
By: anneorac - 18th February 2011 at 08:18
Some Mk.I Spits were fitted with Rotol props and quite a few Mk.II Spits had deHavilland props (this would appear to have been especially prevalent with the Mk.IIb judging buy the number of photos I’ve seen).
There was a very good thread about Rotol equipped Mk.Is during the Fall of France a few years ago. Get hitting that search option.
Anne
By: mike currill - 18th February 2011 at 07:02
I don’t believe it. This thread has been on overnight and no answer yet. Come on folks justify my faith in you. If an answer is not forthcoming soon I shall have to stop singing your praises:D
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February 17, 2011 at 4:31 pm