Quote:
Originally Posted by Graham Boak
The prime mod of a PRU Spitfire is to take out the armament and fit a leading-edge fuel tank in its place. That's why PR Spitfires are refuelled from the wingtip. So however has spread this story doesn't understand the PRU mods, which makes it unlikely to be genuine. Or whoever thought it up in the first place.... Not all ideas are good ideas.
|
Graham,
The initial proposal (made on 12/03/41)to use PRU Spitfires to intercept FW 200 came from Wing Cdr Tuttle, CO PRU. He proposed fitting leading edge tanks for additional range with the .303 also fitted in the wings but firing through the tanks by specially designing the tanks.
The memo was circulated and various notes made, most concerning take off weight, strength of under carraige and how much alteration would be required. With the alteration to the wings being quite big a propsal was put forward to consider fitting upwards or downwards firing guns on the PRU Spitfire.
A final note on 03/04/41 seems to have put the idea to rest, with the author (Group Captain, PLANS) stating that "I do not think there is much purpose now in our pursuing the proposal to use long range Spitfires for the purpose".
I have no further info and it does not seem that any trials were carried out, no info posted so far.
Regards,
Mark