Page 308 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

306 FIGHTER AND FIGHTER-BOMBER

1914–1945 AIRCRAFT 1939–42 Equal-length

wings

Although much faster and more maneuverable than their
predecessors, the fighter aircraft of 1918 were little changed from

ARS those of 1914. During the 1930s, all-metal monoplane fighters came
into their own (a rare exception being the Hawker Hurricane, which
had a fabric covering), with vastly more powerful engines, the ability
to mount additional machine-guns, and heavier “cannon.” By 1939,
ORLD W the most capable aircraft were reaching speeds in excess of 348mph ▲ GLOSTER GLADIATOR Although technically outdated,
(560kph), and could climb to 34,000ft (10,360m). Experts believed
the Gladiator saw front-line
Date 1937 Origin UK
service with the RAF in France,
that such enhanced performance would put an end to the dogfights
1
Wingspan 32 ⁄4ft (9.83m)
Norway, and (most famously)
that were the essence of aerial combat during World War I,
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Length 27 ⁄2in (8.36m)
Malta. It was also deployed by
THE W but they were soon proved wrong. The Spitfire’s superb handling Top speed 255mph (415kph) numerous other countries,
including China, Finland,
Engine 830hp (610.4kW) Bristol
Norway, and Greece.
Mercury IX air-cooled single-bank
9-cylinder radial
▶ SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE
characteristics ensured its
Date 1939 Origin UK
immediate success. Its Cockpit bulged to improve
pilot’s field of view
3
Wingspan 36 ⁄4ft (11.23m)
continuous development—
Length 30ft (9.12m) it was to be built in 13 main
Top speed 378mph (605kph) variants—kept it in service
until well after the end of the war.
Engine 1,470hp (1,081.1kW)
Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 in-line V-12
▼ MESSERSCHMITT BF 110 Designed originally as a
Date 1940 Origin Germany long-range bomber escort, the
early Bf 110 displayed serious Metal constant-
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Wingspan 53 ⁄3ft (16.3m) shortcomings in that role. pitch propeller
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Length 40 ⁄2ft (12.3m) Later, -F and -G variants were
Top speed 350mph (560kph) significantly more successful,
particularly as radar-equipped
Engine Two 1,100hp (809kW) night-fighters.
Daimler-Benz DB 601A in-line Wing could accommodate
V-12s (inverted)
cannon and machine-guns
Tailplane
had twin fins
and rudders
Canopy front
panel made of
Engine exhaust “Siamesed” armored glass
into three pipes on each side
Underwing load for
Radar antenna bombs or extra fuel tanks
Light alloy
propeller
Three-bladed
metal propeller

MG17 machine-guns Wings had hardpoints for
mounted in wings bombs or auxiliary fuel tanks
▲ MESSERSCHMITT BF 109 The Bf 109 beat stiff competition to ▶ FOCKE-WULF FW 190 The most advanced fighter
Date 1941 Origin Germany become the Luftwaffe’s first modern WÜRGER aircraft when it entered service,
fighter aircraft. In all, some 35,000 the Fw 190 remained unbeatable
1
Wingspan 32 ⁄3ft (9.85m) were built in nine versions and many Date 1941 Origin Germany until confronted by the Spitfire
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Length 28 ⁄3ft (8.65m) variants, with engines from Junkers Wingspan 34 ⁄2ft (10.5m) Mk IX. An active development
1
Top speed 355mph (570kph) or Daimler-Benz. Length 29ft (8.84m) program saw improved
Engine 1,300hp (956.1kW) Daimler- Top speed 410mph (655kph) versions produced until 1945.
Benz DB 601E in-line V-12 (inverted) Engine 1,540hp (1,132.6kW) The Fw 190 was the first
BMW 801C2 air-cooled 2-bank important fighter of World
14-cylinder radial War II to have a radial engine.