Chapter 266： Churchills prophecy (1/2)
The Spitfire in history is an excellent engine because it uses liquid-cooled Merlin, and can even use wings to dissipate heat. However, the air-cooled engine can only dissipate heat backwards, and behind the engine is the cockpit!
This is a problem that almost all air-cooled aircraft will encounter, especially after the use of high-power air-cooled engines, this problem is more serious. [No pop-up novel network]
So, the name Spitfire came.
In fact, in history, the name of the best British Spitfire was suggested by Robert McLean, the chairman of Vickers. This word is a metaphor for a girl who is easily excited or hysterical. For example, he called his daughter ”Little Jet fire”.
At the same time, the name of the aircraft must also use the first letter of Super Marlin, which is s, which uses ”Spitfire”.
And now, the Spitfire is facing serious technical problems! If it weren't for the test pilot's ingenuity to open the hatch, the test pilot might be burned to death by fire!
Seeing that the test flight of this kind of aircraft has encountered serious problems, the Air Force Admiral Hugh Caswell Dowding who was invited to the side gave Mitchell a reassurance: ”The overall performance of the aircraft is good, although the aircraft is now The flight test of China revealed problems, but we believe that Ultramarine will solve these minor problems. We can first order 300 of these aircraft and hope that you will modify these details as soon as possible.”
In this case, the Air Force actually wants to order a batch! This made Mitchell almost burst into tears! He couldn't believe his ears. At this time, his abdomen began to ache again. He covered his stomach and looked at General Daoding with his eyes.
General Dowding nodded, indicating that he was serious.
There is no way not to be serious. In terms of advanced aircraft, the UK has fallen behind!
Originally, the British thought that biplanes had good hovering performance and would have a certain effect in battle. However, the Spanish Civil War, a battle that the whole world is watching, told them with **** facts that biplanes were outdated.
In the future, it will be the world of monoplanes! Moreover, Germany is already at the forefront! Over Spain, the German BF109 fighter has completely gained air supremacy!
Full metal skin, single wing, closed cockpit, retractable landing gear, these are the characteristics of advanced fighter aircraft, and the United Kingdom must come up with the corresponding model as soon as possible!
There is no more time to wait. Now, although this aircraft is defective, it must be equipped with a batch first!
General Dowding is the mainstay of Britain.
He was born on April 24, 1882 in the family of the principal of a primary school in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, England.
After the outbreak of the First World War, Dowding joined the British Royal Air Force. In a short period of time, he served as director of the Dover ”transportation battalion”, flight squadron commander, flight observer, staff officer of the Royal Air Force Command, and commander of the 9th flight squadron. , And later served as the captain of the 9th Flying Group.
This flying group is directly controlled by Tronchard, the commander of the Royal Air Force, and Dowding has had several disputes with Tronchard over combat guidance.
This has also become a stumbling block on the road after Dowding, although he has made outstanding contributions, he has never become a marshal.
In September 1930, Dowding became a member of the Air Force Committee in charge of supply and research. He has always focused on the development of air force weaponry and engineering technology, such as the development and finalization of Hurricane fighters and Spitfire fighters, the development and application of radars, and air-to-ground radios. Contact etc.
Last year, the Royal Air Force established several special commands: Fighter Aviation Command, Bombing Aviation Command, Coastal Aviation Command, etc. Dowding served as the commander of the fighter aviation force and set up the headquarters in Bent Lipliore, dedicated to the formation and training of affairs.
Historically, he would have retired in 38 years, but it dragged on for 40 years, and then the British air battle broke out. In this air battle, the fighter aviation commanded by Dowding was the main force to intercept German bombers.
Now, Dowding has deeply felt the backwardness of the British Royal Air Force equipment. He attaches great importance to the Spitfire, which is related to the future victory of British air combat!