Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

Dear all,
I’m new here and have already a more technical question. In a German speaking forum was a heated discussion about the form of the Supermarine Spitfire wing. Some users mentioned that the Spit has a gull wing.

In my reference books about this plane I cannot find any specific information that would back-up a gull-wing configuration. In my opinion, typical gull-wing planes are Junker Ju-87 or F4U Corsair and the Spitfire wing does not looks like the wing of a Corsair nor contains the typical bend along the span. However, I can be wrong.

It would be nice if one of the Spit Cracks can offer his/her insight into this topic.

Thanks a lot in advance and best regards,
Hansjurg Kohler

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

Look at the rear of the wing, where it meets the fuselage. There is a kink upwards to ensure a right-angle join with the fuselage to reduce drag.

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

Thank you Graham for your answer!

I did build already several Spitfire models in 1/48 and noted this indentation at the underside of the wing.

However, according my understanding (I’m not an aeronautic engineer) a gull wing requires a bend in the main and/or rear span. Let me know if my definition of a gull-wing design is incorrect.

It’s still unclear to me if the Spit wing design can be safely called a gull-wing.

Thanks again for clarification.
Best regards,
Hansjurg Kohler

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

There might have been some confusion with the first Supermarine fighter design, the type 224 which had a definate gull wing. As a design it was a total failure being out performed by the biplanes of the time.

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

I wouldn't call the Spitfire wing a gull wing, no, but I suspect that is what has inspired the comment.

Strictly speaking, this is an inverted gull wing. For a true gull wing, look at the Polish fighters P.7, P.11, P.24 or the upper wing of the Russian I-15 and I-153. The latter was known as the Chaika, or Seagull. The value here was to improve the field of view of the pilot. An inverted gull wing was to reduce the length of the undercarriage and ensure a right-angle join with the fuselage.

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

And in the case of the F4U, for prop clearance.

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

Length of undercarriage = prop clearance. Two sides of the same coin.

Re: Spitfire and Gull-Wing?
 

Thank you all for your input.

Best regards,
Hansjurg