SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk.VB, Norway

[Til_Dovre_Faller 191]

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk.VB

(The plane in he pictrue were shot down over France in 19.08.1942)

 

One-seated fighter

110 planes

 

ARMAMENT

4x 7.7x56R mm Browning machineguns

2x 20mm Hispano cannons

External bomb load of one 226 kg bomb or two 113 kg bombs

 

TECHNICAL DATA

Wing span: 11.23 m
Length: 9.11 m
Height: 3.63 m
Empty: 2,297 kg
Loaded: 3,016 kg

Performance:
Maximum: 601 km/h at 3,962 m
Service Ceiling: 11,277 m
Range: 1,826 km

Power plant:
Rolls Royce Merlin 45/50, 1,440 hp, Vee 12 cylinder, Liquid-cooled.

 

(1) Serial numbers, Names, time in service of 331/332(N) squadron and fate

Spoiler

RAF No          331(N)         332(N)          In service at No 331/332(N) Squadron     Fate

 

     coming soon!

     110 planes takes time!

(2) Serial numbers, Names, time in service of 331/332(N) squadron and fate

Spoiler

RAF No          331(N)         332(N)          In service at No 331/332(N) Squadron     Fate

 

HISTORY

The Spitfire Mk.VB became the main version of the Mk.V. Merlin 45 engine and B-wing were standard. B-wing involved a standard wing design equipped with a 20mm Hispano cannon and two Browning 7.7x56R mm machineguns in each wing. This weapon combination was first tested in the spitfire Mk.I in the summer of 1940, with mixed results due to frequent wedging of the guns. The problems were resolved, and in December 1940 the first Mk.VB was delivered to No 92 squadron. Between 1941 and 1943, almost 6,500 spitfires of the Mk.V type were built. In addition, more than 100 Mk.I hulls were rebuilt to Mk.V standard.

 

No 331(N) squadron at Skeabrae received the first Mk.VB machines on 9 March 1942, and within a month 20 machines arrived. At the same time, the old Mk.IIA aircraft were returned. As early as 30 April, the department was operational again, and two machines, FN-S/BL891 and FN-N/AR298, were the first to take off on a two-hour escort mission. a few days later all the planes were ready for operations. On 4 May 1942, No 331(N) squadron was transferred from Skeabrae to North Weald near London and was replaced by No 164 squadron with 332 squadron's old aircraft. No 332(N) squadron had switched to the Mk.VB in mid-April and continued to operate from Catterick and nearby airfields until 19 June 1942, when they were transferred to North Weald, where No 331(N) squadron had now established . from now on and throughout the rest of the war, the two squadrons operated together, with few exceptions. Together with No 121(eagle) squadron, No 222(natal) squadron and No 403(RCAF) squadron they formed the North Weald Wing. eventually, however, the other departments were transferred to other bases, and the Norwegians then became known as "The Norwegian Wing". later this would become 132 Norwegian Airfield and finally 132 Norwegian Wing. North Weald became the Norwegians' main base until 31 March 1944.

 

From here the squadrons soon found themselves in combat with German fighters, including the new Focke Wulf FW 190, which was stationed in northern France in increasing numbers in 1942. The FW 190 was superior to the Spitfire V in most areas. The situation did not improve until the spitfire Mk.IX was launched in late summer. It was a hectic time for the stream squadrons, with frequent air battles, escort missions and attacks against ground targets.

On August 14, both divisions were transferred to Manston airbase near Dover. The Dieppe raid was being prepared, and on 19 August it got serious. 6,100 men supported by tanks, 250 ships and several smaller vessels landed in and around Dieppe. As part of a large air force, the Norwegian squadrons flew four regular sorties over the battle area from early morning until late at night. They were credited with 15 German aircraft shot down, three probable and 14 damaged. 6 Norwegian Spitfires were lost, but without any of the pilots being killed. both pilots and ground crew received much praise for their efforts.

From the end of September 1942, the new Mk.IXC machines destined for the Norwegian squadrons began to land on North Weald. 331 Squadron received the first 18 aircraft and was operational with IXC from 14 October. Then it was 332 squadron's turn. This was the first version of the Spitfire with performance matching the German FW 190. However, there was a gradual transition, and both squadrons had the Mk.VB until September 1943. The old aircraft were mainly used in connection with ground attacks and otherwise for training , station defence, convoy escort and skirmishing exercises

there are many of these Spitfires and Hussicans that I have written articles about that can have bombs etc as secondary armament

 

SKINS 4x

Spoiler

• FN-E, No 331(N) Squadron, RAF No BL681 (https://ibb.co/k2P72Vj)
• AH-M, No 332 (N) Squadron, RAF No BL314 (https://ibb.co/q0jsWH3)
• FN-B, No 331 (N) Squadron, RAF No BM579 (https://ibb.co/HBm5fYS)
• AH-Y, No 332 (N) Squadron, RAF No AD573 (https://ibb.co/31QppxN)

SOURCES

Spoiler

https://www2.gvsu.edu/ramseyea/Spitfire.html

https://dingeraviation.net/spitfire/spits.htm

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196284/supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc/

https://www.adlibris.com/no/bok/norske-militarfly-9788271286873?

https://www.norli.no/boker/dokumentar-og-fakta/historie-og-dokumentar/krig-og-historie/luftforsvarets-historie-fortalt-gjennom-75-gjenstander?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660092860961099

If you got any more information, feel free to add it!

 

Til_Dovre_Faller

[kleinerPanzer 648]

Open for discussion 

[Milocat 4,857]

+1 for Swedish/Scandinavian tree.