SPITFIRE MK22/24 REPLICA

ORIGINAL MK24 SPITFIRE

70% SCALE MOCK-UP	WING MAIN SPAR

This SPITFIRE MK24 replica is 70% size. It has been under construction for several years. It is all original, all aluminum and all built at home. It has to fit me at 6'2" which dictated 70% as the minimum possible size. The fuselage is 26 inches wide at the firewall which is on the spar. The wing is in 3 pieces, the center section incorporating the gear allowing the aircraft to be towed on the highway with the outer panels removed. The center section is detachable from the fuselage, though it is a lot of work to do so. The gear is designed for a 6G ultimate symmetrical landing, though I am not sure if that is enough considering the work required making props. Trailer tires at 4.80-8 are the correct size though temporary 500-5 wheels are shown.  The target is to fly comfortably off our 1600 foot strip, cruise at up to 230 MPH and be capable of a 6G, full aileron pull up at that speed with a red line of 350MPH. It is designed for a 16G ultimate load, more to handle the aileron loads at high speed than anything else. This is made possible only due to the low pitching moment characteristics of the 23XXX airfoils used. The target gross weight is 1800 lbs. or less. Economical cruise at 160- 170MPH using 6 Imp. GPH and landing at less than 60 MPH are design goals. The aircraft is being designed on CAD as well as proprietary programs for aerodynamic and structural purposes.  Engine power of 300-350BHP will be used, with a reduction drive. The driveline is not yet finalized as it will not be required for several years. Cost is a major factor which  unfortunately lets out a purchased re-drive. The power unit can weigh up to 700 lbs. (for balance reasons). A modified 302 Ford V-8 will provide the power. A 20 Imperial gallon fuel tank in the fuselage will be augmented by 2 (8 gallon) drop tanks on hard points under the wings. It will still be a relatively short range aircraft.

WING STRUCTURE	AILERON FRAME

GEAR WITH 500-5 TIRE	OIL/SPRING GEAR CONSTRUCTION

 This is a major project for me (estimated 6000hrs+).  It is a good thing that perseverance pays off! This is also a one off retirement project and no plans will be available.