A few more Prototypes ...

[Mark Allen M]

... and a few more interesting Spits and such ... Chime in experts
ebay link here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/lestirebouchons ... pg=&_from=

[Aeronut]

All taken at the A&AEE Boscombe Down and looking at the hill in the background the PR Spit is sat close to where my office now stands.

[Mark Allen M]

Photo #1:

"SR661 the first fully 'navalized' Sea Fury. First prototype of the Furies was NX798"

Thx to Dannielle Long

[CoastieJohn]

In some of those pics there is what looks like a measurement pole in front of the prop. What was the purpose of that?

[Duggy009]

The 2nd photo is Supermarine Spiteful the second prototype (NN664)which was completed in late 1944. It incorporated a deeper fuselage, larger cockpit and slotted ailerons.

[dirtysidedown430]

Great post thanks

[sandiego89]

In some of those pics there is what looks like a measurement pole in front of the prop. What was the purpose of that?

Coastiejohn, perhaps the pole is a "ranging rod" or "offset rod" or measuring pole/rod, a reference tool used in surveying and photography to help give scale to the object being photographed. Painted in alternate red and white or black and white, in 20 cm sections- or in other imperial measurements.

For staged photos of prototypes I would not be surprised to see a ranging/offset rod.

-Dave

[CoastieJohn]

Thanks Dave. That would make some sense. At first I thought some type of grounding device for a wire.

[Mark Allen M]

A few more this morning ... and the rest here, https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406 ... 3724819493

[Mark Allen M]

... and a few more Spits.

[Mark Allen M]

Another shot of SR661 the first fully 'navalized' Sea Fury



to go along with the original photo I posted

[Mark Allen M]

And a few more ...


Blackburn Firebrand


Fairey Barracuda


Fairey Barracuda

[CoastieJohn]

The last two pics....I'm assuming that is the rearview mirror on top of the upper windscreen frame. I noticed they are different shapes and not standardized.

[Aeronut]

The P51 drop tanks were fitted at Wright Patterson so that the Spitfire could be flown back to the UK.

[shrike]

The P51 drop tanks were fitted at Wright Patterson so that the Spitfire could be flown back to the UK.

With the wooden sway braces that had everyone confusticated in an other thread too