Page 70 - History of War - Issue 18-15

OPERATOR’S HANDBOOK

COCKPIT

The aircraft that embodies the spirit and resolve of the British in the summer of
1940 is remarkably easy to pilot. Simple to start, the Merlin engine nearly always
fired after two blades and was very reliable with each and every cockpit virtually
identical and compact. Pilots past and present have commented favourably on its
ease of handling as well as the iconic sound of its engine. As with many aircraft
of the era, the Spitfire became harder to control when it neared its top speed.
However, its light control column allowed it to be more manoeuvrable than its rival,
the Messerschmitt Bf 109. During the Battle of Britain. It would often turn out of
dives much quicker than its German equivalent. Without powered controls, these
turns were achieved by the strength of the pilot’s muscles alone.

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