Difference between revisions of "Spitfire Mk Vc/trop"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, originally under the name ''Spitfire Mk Vc'', however this was changed in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]] to the current name.
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In order to adapt the [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] for overseas operations, such as in Malta, North Africa, Burma, and Australia, the aircraft was equipped with a large air filter under the nose, as well as other modifications such as a larger oil coolant tank and survival gear behind the pilot's seat. The restricted airflow to the supercharger reduced the performance of the engine, but this was deemed acceptable. A naval camouflage was also applied to better protect the aircraft while flying over the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.
  
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The Spitfire Vc/trop is a plane with two major advantages over its opposition: turn performance, engine performance below 3000 metres, and armament. The plane is blessed with a Merlin 45M engine that grants it phenomenal acceleration below that altitude compared to German opposition, as well as a hard-hitting armament of four Hispano Mark II cannons that gives it an exceptionally high burst mass of 5.17 kg/s- putting it on the same level as the [[Fw 190 A-5]]!
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In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Mk Vc/trop will commonly be matched against planes such as the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop]], which performs better in the vertical (climbing/diving), or the [[A6M5]], which performs better in the horizontal (turning). While this aircraft faces tricky opposition, it is far from helpless as one might expect from what is essentially the airframe of a [[Spitfire Mk Ia]]. The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop has two major advantages over its opposition: turn performance, engine performance below 3,000 m, and armament. The plane is blessed with a Merlin 45M engine that grants it phenomenal acceleration below that altitude compared to German opposition, as well as a hard-hitting armament of four Hispano Mk II cannons that gives it an exceptionally high burst mass of 5.17 kg/s, putting it on the same level as the [[Fw 190 A-5]].
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Due to its BR of {{Specs|br|rb}} in realistic battles, the Vc/trop will be matched against planes such as the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop]], which performs better in the vertical (climbing/diving), or the [[A6M5]], which performs better in the horizontal (turning). In an uptier into a 4.7/5.0 battle - which is an odd-to-regular occurrence depending on whether players are playing more of rank III or IV aircraft - this aircraft faces opposition such as the [[Fw 190 A-8]], the [[Fw 190 C]], the [[Bf 109 G-6]] the [[A7M1 (NK9H)]], and even (in the worst scenarios) the [[Re.2005 serie 0]], which outperforms it in '''all''' aspects save for turn time.
 
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In Arcade battles, where it possesses a BR of{{Specs|br|ab}}, it will be put with far superior planes such as the [[Fw 190 D-9]] and [[Spitfire F Mk 22]].
 
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While this aircraft faces tricky opposition, it is far from helpless as one might come to expect from an aircraft with the airframe of a 3.3 aircraft at 4.3. If used correctly, this aircraft can '''easily''' ruin the day of any axis pilot.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
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The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop's engine performs best at low altitudes: between the 2000 m and 3500 m. At these low levels, the Spitfire has a competitive top speed, and a decent climb rate. Above this altitude, engine performance begins to suffer dramatically, as acceleration and climb rate decrease. The engine's power output can be maximized by using WEP, without which the plane lacks much of its performance. The Spitfire's acceleration in a dive is less than that of the Bf 109 and Fw 190.
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The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop's engine performs best at low altitudes: between the 2,000 m and 3,500 m. At these low levels, the Spitfire has a competitive top speed, and a decent climb rate. Above this altitude, engine performance begins to suffer dramatically, as acceleration and climb rate decrease. The engine's power output can be maximized by using WEP, without which the plane lacks much of its performance. The Spitfire's acceleration in a dive is less than that of the Bf 109 and Fw 190.
  
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Like all Spitfires, the Vc/trop has above-average manoeuvrability, including a good turn rate and competitive roll rate. It also has decent energy retention both in flat turns and vertical manoeuvres. Watch out though, Fw 190s still have better energy retention and roll rate than the Spitfire, and A6Ms can out-roll it can low speeds.
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Like all Spitfires, the Vc/trop has above-average manoeuvrability, including a good turn rate and competitive roll rate. It also has decent energy retention both in flat turns and vertical manoeuvres. Watch out though, Fw 190s still have better energy retention and roll rate than the Spitfire, and A6Ms can out-roll it on low speeds.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 480 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 480 total)
  
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The Spitfire Mk. Vc/trop is armed with four Hispano Mk.II cannons with 120 rounds per gun. While this is double the cannon capacity of earlier Spitfires, such as the [[Spitfire Mk Vb/trop]], it is still quite small, and unsuitable for flying while firing long bursts at the enemy.
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The Spitfire Mk. Vc/trop is armed with four Hispano Mk.II cannons with 120 rounds per gun. While this is double the cannon capacity of earlier Spitfires, such as the [[Spitfire Mk Vb/trop]], it is still quite small, and unsuitable for firing long bursts at the enemy.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
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The Spitfire Mark Vc/trop, unlike the older [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Mark IIb]] variant, no longer has overwhelming edges in performance over its opposition. This aircraft is heavier than its predecessors, and has an engine that does better at an altitude range that is much lower than its predecessors. The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop flies best at altitudes between the 2000m and 3500m range, and above this altitude range, its engine starts to suffer above this altitude. This plane must be played ''radically differently'' in terms of ''when'' and ''where'' you pick your fights.
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The Spitfire Mark Vc/trop, unlike the older [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Mk IIb]] variant, no longer has overwhelming edges in performance over its opposition. This aircraft is heavier than its predecessors, and has an engine that does better at an altitude range that is much lower than its predecessors. The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop flies best at altitudes between the 2,000 m and 3,500 m range and its engine starts to suffer above this altitude. This plane must be played radically differently in terms of when and where to pick fights. As usual, the 7 P's of Combat apply: ''Proper Perusal, Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance.''
  
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As usual, the 7 P's of Combat apply: '''Proper Perusal, Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance.'''
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With previous Spitfires, in order to use your plane most effectively, these were more or less suggestions. Flat-turning allowed you to take down enemies relatively consistently even without advanced knowledge. With this Spitfire, and arguably the [[Spitfire Mk Vb]] before it, it is absolutely essential to follow these. Without fulfilling these criteria, you will not be able to succeed with flying the Spitfire Vc/trop.
  
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With previous Spitfires, in order to use your plane most effectively, these were more or less suggestions. Flat-turning allowed you to take down enemies relatively consistently even without advanced knowledge. With this Spitfire, and arguably the 3.7 [[Spitfire Mk Vb]] before it, it is ''absolutely essential'' to follow these. Without fulfilling these criteria, you ''will not be able to succeed with flying the Spitfire Vc/trop.''
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You need to know your opposition inside-out, but also your own plane's performance (Perusal). In order to fight, you need to plan your every move well and have a good idea of how you're going to start your match and at what point you're going to return to base (Planning). You need to know and be prepared to fight enemies that may have better performance than you in a turn, in the vertical, in a straight line, or all three (Preparation).
  
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You '''need''' to know your opposition inside-out, but also your own plane ('''Perusal'''). In order to fight, you need to plan your every move well and have a good idea of how you're going to start your match and at what point you're going to return-to-base ('''Planning'''). You need to know and be prepared to fight enemies that may have better performance than you in a turn, in the vertical, in a straight line, or all three ('''Preparation''').
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The ability of a pilot to fight using this plane is determined primarily by their skill and ability to pick their fights against their enemy wisely. Charging head-on into Axis teams, which usually will have an energy advantage over you, will result in the Spitfire's instant and explosive demise at the hands of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109G-2s]] and [[C.205 serie 3|C.205s]] eager to score an easy victory on an allied fighter at a lesser altitude and travelling at a lower speed while within their favoured altitude range (4,000-5,500 m).
  
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The ability of a pilot to fight using this plane is determined primarily by their skill and ability to pick their fights against their enemy wisely. Charging headlong into Axis teams, which usually will have an energy advantage over you, will result in the Spitfire's instant and explosive disassembly from the hands of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109G-2s]] and [[C.205 serie 3|C.205s]] eager to get an easy hit on an allied fighter at a lesser altitude and travelling at a lower speed while within their favoured altitude range (4000-5500 metres).
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General guides for fighting against major nations:
  
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One way to use this fighter to its best advantage is to use it as a "Vulture". Climb to 3500 metres and then proceed to roam around the map looking for aircraft low and slow, or for furballs where an enemy aircraft is pursuing a friendly. Dive on these people and "Bounce" them, shooting and entering a furball with them. These tactics will yield great success, provided that you are not bounced yourself.
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* Germany and Italy: fighters of both those nations are well armed and have decent survivability, have better max speed than Spit and similar or slightly lower rate of climb. If you are below them, better run away far enough to be unworthy of their attention. If enemy attacks you on high altitude, your best chance is to dive and try to outmaneouvre them but do not attempt to fly in a straight line.
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<!--
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* Japan: you won't stand a chance both in dogfight and flight speed so you should avoid fight against this nation when you are alone but if it is impossible, your best chance is in head-on as just a single shell stands high chance of setting enemy ablaze.
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<gallery mode="slideshow" heights="150">
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* USA: American fighters have decent guns that will shred your plane during a head-on and are durable enough to resist a few hits with 20 mm guns. Fortunately those planes are relatively heavy and lack climb rate so you should be able to gather more potential energy before the duel begins. Once into dogfight, it won't take you more than 2 circles to get a stable position on enemy tail but same as with German and Italian planes, you should not allow them to run away.
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File:VCTROP BOUNCE 0.png|Initiating the attack
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* USSR: it is very risky to be in front of a Soviet fighter even for a single moment due to their armament which might consist on 37 or even 45 mm guns that are able to destroy your plane with a single hit but generally you should proceed similarly to fights with German planes .
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File:VcTROP Bounce1.png|Initial rangefinding
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File:VcTROP BOUNCE 2.png|Hits & Criticals
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Let's just mention that fighting bombers might be a very bad idea unless you are trying to take them from their side and have much speed.
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File:VCTROP BOUNCE 3.png|Bandit down!
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File:Spitfire Vc Trop Attack 2 PHASE 4.png|The after-effects of the "Bounce"
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One way to use this fighter to its best advantage is to use it as a "Vulture". Climb to 3,500 m and then proceed to roam around the map looking for aircraft low and slow, or for furballs where an enemy aircraft is pursuing a friendly. Dive on these people and "Bounce" them, shooting and entering a furball with them. These tactics will yield great success, provided that you are not chased yourself in turn.
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</gallery>
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-->
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One important thing to note is that this aircraft, especially while stock, cannot fire its weapons in long bursts. While stock, it will result in quick weapon jamming, and even when upgraded, its ammo capacity is absolutely abysmal. Furthermore, stock Hispanos Mk. II lack accuracy at bigger distances and when placed in wings, it gets even worse, so you shouldn't use them with aiming distances above 600 m. On low distances around 400-500 m with suitable aiming distance, enemy plane can be destroyed with just a single salvo (even without killing the pilot). Spitfire is also able to effectively fight tanks in ground RB. When attacking from above it is able to penetrate most medium tanks and SPGs with AP rounds but in such a situation you should use pretty low aiming distance of around 300 m.
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One important thing to note, however, is that this aircraft, '''especially while stock,''' cannot fire its weapons in long bursts. While stock, it will result in quick weapon jamming, and even when upgraded, its ammo capacity is absolutely abysmal.
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Great forward armament in 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons
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* Great forward armament in 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons  
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* Great ammo belts
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* Good manoeuvrability (better at turnfighting than every nation except for Japan)
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* Good manoeuvrability thanks to the (relatively) light airframe as compared compared to German and Italian fighters
+
* Decent Energy Retention - can keep speed fairly well in flat turns and loops
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* Decent Energy Retention - can keep speed fairly well in flat turns and yo-yos
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* Competitive roll rate that outperforms or is comparable to the majority of its opponents
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* Competitive Roll Rate that outperforms or is comparable to the majority of its opponents
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* Good engine performance and speed below 3,000 m
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* Good engine performance '''below 3,000 metres'''
 
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* Competitive speed '''below 3,000 metres'''
 
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* Decent sustained climb rate
 
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* High SL multiplier that actually is comparable to rank IV planes
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Fw-190s still have better energy retention and roll rate at all speeds despite the upgraded engine
+
* Low survivability  
−
* '''Very low''' pilot survivability due to the lack of any substantial armour
+
* Low ammo capacity at only 120 rounds per gun (12 seconds of constant fire)
−
* Engine uses fuel quickly during combat, but flying with substantial amounts of fuel (30 minutes) severely reduces the aircraft's performance on smaller maps (RB)
+
* No suspended armament
−
* Weak module strength - aircraft gets easily damaged
 
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* A6Ms outroll the plane at speeds below 350 km/h IAS
 
−
* Low ammo capacity at only 120 rounds per gun (12 seconds of sustained fire)
 
−
* No bomb options unlike other contemporary fighters
 
 
* Massively reduced engine performance at altitudes above 3,500 m
 
* Massively reduced engine performance at altitudes above 3,500 m
−
** Struggles to accelerate at altitudes above 3,500 metres
+
* Poor maximum speed  
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** Struggles to regain speed after a turn at these altitudes
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* Poor dive-acceleration
−
** Struggles to climb above 3,900 metres
+
* No combat nor take-off flaps
−
** Outperformed by the Spitfire Mark IX at all altitudes in terms of engine power
 
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* Poor engine performance unless using W.E.P. compared to its contemporaries
 
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* Poor maximum speed compared to other axis and allied fighters '''at all altitudes'''
 
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* Mediocre durability - performance suffers harshly from even slight damage to wing modules
 
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* Poor dive-speed acceleration compared to Bf 109s and Fw 190s
 
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* High Silver Lion repair cost comes with the high SL multiplier
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
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=== In-game description ===
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{{break}}
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A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter, this variant of the Spitfire Mk V was fitted with the new Type C "universal" wing, capable of being fitted with a variety of armaments. The Mk VC could be fitted with four 20mm Hispano cannons, or it could carry two 20mm Hispano cannons and four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk II machine guns. The cannons in the type C wings had a tape supply and so could carry up to 120 rounds per gun, unlike the type B wings, which were limited to 60 rounds. In addition, the Mk VC had other modifications to the airframe such as a strengthened fuselage, more armor, larger oil cooler and a new windscreen design.
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
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A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter, this variant of the Spitfire Mk V was fitted with the new Type C "universal" wing, capable of being fitted with a variety of armaments. The Mk VC could be fitted with four 20 mm Hispano cannons, or it could carry two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk II machine guns. The cannons in the type C wings had a tape supply and so could carry up to 120 rounds per gun, unlike the type B wings, which were limited to 60 rounds. In addition, the Mk VC had other modifications to the airframe such as a strengthened fuselage, more armour, larger oil cooler and a new windscreen design.
  
 
Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes.
 
Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes.
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The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs.
 
The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_mk5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 04:21 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vc/trop.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 04:21 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vc/trop.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Related development
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* [[Spitfire (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/5371-development-spitfire-mk-v-model-update-and-new-modifications-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/5371-development-spitfire-mk-v-model-update-and-new-modifications-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/287254-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vctrop/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:43, 23 July 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire Mk Vc/trop. For the non-tropical version, see Spitfire Mk Vc. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
spitfire_mk5c.png
GarageImage Spitfire Mk Vc trop.jpg
Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 4.7 4.7
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In order to adapt the Spitfire Mk Vc for overseas operations, such as in Malta, North Africa, Burma, and Australia, the aircraft was equipped with a large air filter under the nose, as well as other modifications such as a larger oil coolant tank and survival gear behind the pilot's seat. The restricted airflow to the supercharger reduced the performance of the engine, but this was deemed acceptable. A naval camouflage was also applied to better protect the aircraft while flying over the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Mk Vc/trop will commonly be matched against planes such as the Bf 109 G-2/trop, which performs better in the vertical (climbing/diving), or the A6M5, which performs better in the horizontal (turning). While this aircraft faces tricky opposition, it is far from helpless as one might expect from what is essentially the airframe of a Spitfire Mk Ia. The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop has two major advantages over its opposition: turn performance, engine performance below 3,000 m, and armament. The plane is blessed with a Merlin 45M engine that grants it phenomenal acceleration below that altitude compared to German opposition, as well as a hard-hitting armament of four Hispano Mk II cannons that gives it an exceptionally high burst mass of 5.17 kg/s, putting it on the same level as the Fw 190 A-5.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 963 m592 km/h
Turn time16 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin-45M
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight3 t

The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop's engine performs best at low altitudes: between the 2,000 m and 3,500 m. At these low levels, the Spitfire has a competitive top speed, and a decent climb rate. Above this altitude, engine performance begins to suffer dramatically, as acceleration and climb rate decrease. The engine's power output can be maximized by using WEP, without which the plane lacks much of its performance. The Spitfire's acceleration in a dive is less than that of the Bf 109 and Fw 190.

Like all Spitfires, the Vc/trop has above-average manoeuvrability, including a good turn rate and competitive roll rate. It also has decent energy retention both in flat turns and vertical manoeuvres. Watch out though, Fw 190s still have better energy retention and roll rate than the Spitfire, and A6Ms can out-roll it on low speeds.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,963 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 560 543 10500 17.2 17.8 14.4 14.4 340
Upgraded 627 592 15.8 16.2 27.1 19.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
760 270 N/A N/A 230 ~11 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 350 > 450
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,800 m 1,200 hp 1,704 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural760 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 4 mm Steel - Armoured plates behind pilot, coupled with another 6-7 mm Steel plate behind that
  • 3 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of engine above propeller
  • 1 mm Steel - Armoured plate in front of front top fuel tank
  • 3 mm Steel - Armoured plates around ammunition

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 079 → 1 385 Sl icon.png
RB2 410 → 3 094 Sl icon.png
SB3 582 → 4 599 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications25 200 Rp icon.png
45 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 140 / 300 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png

Pilots should invest heavily in the Weapons Maintenance skill of their crew in order to prevent guns from jamming as much. Pilots should only really need the first or second cannon upgrade. The 1943 cannons are useful to have, but not strictly necessary to perform well in this aircraft.

Priorities, in order, are:

  1. Offensive 20 mm belts
  2. Radiator
  3. Compressor
  4. New 20 mm cannons
  5. Engine
  6. Mk.II year 1942
  7. Engine injection
  8. Cover
  9. Wings repair
  10. Airframe
  11. Fuselage repair
  12. Mk. II year 1943

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition480 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)

The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 480 total)

The Spitfire Mk. Vc/trop is armed with four Hispano Mk.II cannons with 120 rounds per gun. While this is double the cannon capacity of earlier Spitfires, such as the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop, it is still quite small, and unsuitable for firing long bursts at the enemy.

Usage in battles

The Spitfire Mark Vc/trop, unlike the older Mk IIb variant, no longer has overwhelming edges in performance over its opposition. This aircraft is heavier than its predecessors, and has an engine that does better at an altitude range that is much lower than its predecessors. The Spitfire Mk Vc/trop flies best at altitudes between the 2,000 m and 3,500 m range and its engine starts to suffer above this altitude. This plane must be played radically differently in terms of when and where to pick fights. As usual, the 7 P's of Combat apply: Proper Perusal, Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance.

With previous Spitfires, in order to use your plane most effectively, these were more or less suggestions. Flat-turning allowed you to take down enemies relatively consistently even without advanced knowledge. With this Spitfire, and arguably the Spitfire Mk Vb before it, it is absolutely essential to follow these. Without fulfilling these criteria, you will not be able to succeed with flying the Spitfire Vc/trop.

You need to know your opposition inside-out, but also your own plane's performance (Perusal). In order to fight, you need to plan your every move well and have a good idea of how you're going to start your match and at what point you're going to return to base (Planning). You need to know and be prepared to fight enemies that may have better performance than you in a turn, in the vertical, in a straight line, or all three (Preparation).

The ability of a pilot to fight using this plane is determined primarily by their skill and ability to pick their fights against their enemy wisely. Charging head-on into Axis teams, which usually will have an energy advantage over you, will result in the Spitfire's instant and explosive demise at the hands of Bf 109G-2s and C.205s eager to score an easy victory on an allied fighter at a lesser altitude and travelling at a lower speed while within their favoured altitude range (4,000-5,500 m).

General guides for fighting against major nations:

  • Germany and Italy: fighters of both those nations are well armed and have decent survivability, have better max speed than Spit and similar or slightly lower rate of climb. If you are below them, better run away far enough to be unworthy of their attention. If enemy attacks you on high altitude, your best chance is to dive and try to outmaneouvre them but do not attempt to fly in a straight line.
  • Japan: you won't stand a chance both in dogfight and flight speed so you should avoid fight against this nation when you are alone but if it is impossible, your best chance is in head-on as just a single shell stands high chance of setting enemy ablaze.
  • USA: American fighters have decent guns that will shred your plane during a head-on and are durable enough to resist a few hits with 20 mm guns. Fortunately those planes are relatively heavy and lack climb rate so you should be able to gather more potential energy before the duel begins. Once into dogfight, it won't take you more than 2 circles to get a stable position on enemy tail but same as with German and Italian planes, you should not allow them to run away.
  • USSR: it is very risky to be in front of a Soviet fighter even for a single moment due to their armament which might consist on 37 or even 45 mm guns that are able to destroy your plane with a single hit but generally you should proceed similarly to fights with German planes .

Let's just mention that fighting bombers might be a very bad idea unless you are trying to take them from their side and have much speed.

One way to use this fighter to its best advantage is to use it as a "Vulture". Climb to 3,500 m and then proceed to roam around the map looking for aircraft low and slow, or for furballs where an enemy aircraft is pursuing a friendly. Dive on these people and "Bounce" them, shooting and entering a furball with them. These tactics will yield great success, provided that you are not chased yourself in turn.

One important thing to note is that this aircraft, especially while stock, cannot fire its weapons in long bursts. While stock, it will result in quick weapon jamming, and even when upgraded, its ammo capacity is absolutely abysmal. Furthermore, stock Hispanos Mk. II lack accuracy at bigger distances and when placed in wings, it gets even worse, so you shouldn't use them with aiming distances above 600 m. On low distances around 400-500 m with suitable aiming distance, enemy plane can be destroyed with just a single salvo (even without killing the pilot). Spitfire is also able to effectively fight tanks in ground RB. When attacking from above it is able to penetrate most medium tanks and SPGs with AP rounds but in such a situation you should use pretty low aiming distance of around 300 m.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great forward armament in 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons
  • Good manoeuvrability (better at turnfighting than every nation except for Japan)
  • Decent Energy Retention - can keep speed fairly well in flat turns and loops
  • Competitive roll rate that outperforms or is comparable to the majority of its opponents
  • Good engine performance and speed below 3,000 m

Cons:

  • Low survivability
  • Low ammo capacity at only 120 rounds per gun (12 seconds of constant fire)
  • No suspended armament
  • Massively reduced engine performance at altitudes above 3,500 m
  • Poor maximum speed
  • Poor dive-acceleration
  • No combat nor take-off flaps

History


Archive of the in-game description

A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter, this variant of the Spitfire Mk V was fitted with the new Type C "universal" wing, capable of being fitted with a variety of armaments. The Mk VC could be fitted with four 20 mm Hispano cannons, or it could carry two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk II machine guns. The cannons in the type C wings had a tape supply and so could carry up to 120 rounds per gun, unlike the type B wings, which were limited to 60 rounds. In addition, the Mk VC had other modifications to the airframe such as a strengthened fuselage, more armour, larger oil cooler and a new windscreen design.

Production of the Mk VC variant began in October of 1941, with the first aircraft being equipped with a Rolls Royce Merlin 45 or 46. However, with the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf FW190 fighter, Spitfire pilots found themselves being outmanoeuvred at low and medium altitudes.

The Mk VC was then fitted with Merlin 50, 50A, 55, and 56 engines. To improve performance characteristics at low and medium altitudes, some of these engines were fitted with a cropped supercharger impeller to allow maximum power to be reached at lower altitudes. Engines designed this way included the 45M, 50M, and 55M.

On the lower altitude models, further changes were implemented. To reduce drag and moment of inertia on the aircraft's longitudinal axis, the wingspan was reduced and the elliptical wingtips were redesigned to be nearly rectangular. Fighters designed with low-altitude combat in mind were designated Spitfire LFMk Vs (Low Flight). Aircraft optimized for mid-altitude combat were designated Spitfire FMk Vs (Flight) and fighters fitted with the Merlin 46, 50A, or 56 were designated Spitfire HFMk Vs (High Flight) and had an increased wingspan with elongated, elliptical wingtips.

The Spitfire VC fought in all theatres in which the RAF was active from 1941 to 1944. A total of some 6,500 Spitfire Mk V fighters were produced, of which 2,467 were Mk VCs.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #92 - Metal Beasts section at 04:21 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vc/trop.

See also

Related development

External links


Supermarine
Spitfires 
Merlin engine  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb
  Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
  Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Griffon engine  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Export  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Seafires  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Export  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III
Jet fighters  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Hydroplanes  Walrus Mk.I

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

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