Dunkirk Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire is simply one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world and this new Aeroplane Heaven package for FSX and P3D provides models of the very early Mk1 with the two-bladed Watts propeller, a Mk1 version at the time of Dunkirk in 1940 and the Mk1A in the Battle of Britain era.

The early Mk1 originally had a two-blade, fixed-pitch, wooden propeller but this was replaced in 1939 with a three-blade metal, variable-pitch airscrew. Early Mk1s were fitted with an awkward hand-pump-operated landing gear system which proved difficult for novice Spitfire pilots because it necessitated changing hands over from throttle to pump lever (leaving the left hand to operate the control stick). As the pilot pumped away, his left hand would tend to rock the stick back and forth in unison, This resulting in what was called ‘Spitfire wobble’. Another side-effect was ‘Spitfire knuckle’ - suffered by pilots rapping their knuckles on the cockpit sides as they pumped the handle! In the Mk1A this awkward system was replaced by an all-hydraulic unit which had a simple lever with gates to operate the landing gear. Both types can be found in this simulation.

Throughout 1940, apart from the landing gear controls, the basic design and layout of the Spitfire remained unchanged. A larger ‘bubble’ canopy was also added to the Mk1A for increased head clearance. This is how you can tell a Mk1A from an earlier Mk1.

The inspiration for this simulation comes from the stories of two early Spitfires which fell whilst defending ground forces at Dunkirk. The first is P9374 ‘J’, an early Mk1 flown by Fg Off Peter Cazenove on his first combat mission, and the second machine is N3200 ‘QV‘. This Mk1 was flown by Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Stephenson on an operation over Calais to protect the BEF as they were evacuated on 27th May 1940. N3200, like its sister, remained buried in the wet sands for more than 40 years until it was re-discovered in 1986 and both these aeroplanes were eventually restored to flying condition. P9374 took to the skies again in 2011, and N3200 in 2014. They are among the earliest examples of Mk1 Spitfires currently flying and are a beautiful testament to the skills of the restoration company responsible for their rebirth.

In this simulation you will also find examples of Mk1As which fought in the Battle of Britain and were piloted by some of that battle's Aces.

See the Detailed Description below for the full list of aircraft features!