The Spitfire IIA has had its engine performance and Lift profile modified to better reflect the historical aircraft's performance.

Merlin XII inline liquid cooled engine with Single Stage Supercharger, Full Throttle Height of 15,000 ft at +9 boost (unrammed)

5 minute Power Setting
3000 rpm at +12 boost in High Speed Level Flight, or Climb and Combat Manoeuvre Speeds

30 minute Climb Setting
2850 rpm at +9 boost

Unlimited Cruise Power Setting
2650 rpm at +6 boost

Aircraft has a Rotol Constant Speed Propellor, maximum rpms at 3000.

The aircraft has a fully pressurized liquid cooled, (50% Glycol/50% Water) engine. Shutters can be opened and closed by the pilot to regulate the Radiator coolant temperature. In addition the aircraft has an automatic Oil Cooler, which is not controlled by the pilot. Gauges for both Radiator and Oil Cooler temperatures are displayed on the right side of cockpit dashboard.

Glycol/Water Recommended Temperatures:
Minimum: 60c
Normal: 105-130c
Maximum: 131-135c

Oil Recommended Temperatures:
Minimum: 40c
Normal: 90-100c
Maximum: 101-115c

Note: Engine damage due to coolant or oil overheat CAN occur at lower than MAX temperatures. BEWARE of going close to those limits.

Magneto 1 + 2 switches 'On'

Fuel Control to 'Open'

Radiator Closed

Throttle to 10% open

Start

Engine must be warmed prior to takeoff. Leave Radiator closed till following:

Radiator Temperature gauge should read 60c prior to takeoff

Oil Temperature must be 40c prior to takeoff.

The Aircraft's radiator should be opened fully before taxiing. The Spitfire is taxied using a combination of low engine power with applications of rudder and brakes providing the steering input. Pilots need to be very careful when applying brakes, as the aircraft can tip onto its nose easily. Pilots should use a 'fishtail' pattern during taxiing so they can see any obstacles in front of them.

Open Radiator to 100%

Select Full Fine Pitch (3000 rpm)

Use +9 boost Throttle setting

After aircraft is airborne:

Raise undercarriage

Reduce rpms to 2850

The aircraft has trim for elevator and rudder. Pilots use the Sideslip Indicator on the right side of the cockpit dashboard to trim their rudder accurately. Needle should be centered. Pilots may also use the rudder to center the sideslip needle during combat for accurate shooting.

Max. Speed at Sea Level: 300 mph

Aircraft has a single stage supercharger, with the rammed Full throttle Height (FTH) at +9 being approx. 18,000 feet. Performance falls off above these heights.

The Spitfire IIA is a very responsive and maneuverable gun platform at low, medium and high altitudes, especially between 10,000 and 25,000 ft. It is slightly slower than the 109's at low altitudes, roughly comparable in speed to the standard Bf-109 at at medium altitudes, but faster than all but the E-4N at high alts. It is faster than the Bf-110 at all altitudes. It will outturn 109's and 110's at low, medium and high altitudes. It loses some performance at higher altitudes, especially over 25,000ft, but is the best British aircraft at these altitudes. It has the advantage of a fully pressurized cooling system, which allows it to fly at combat speeds for long periods.

Open radiator to 75%, adjust as necessary to control temperature

Select +9 boost

Select 2850 rpm

Climb at 160-165mph Indicated Airspeed to start, decreasing to 120 mph at ceiling.

The engine is equipped with a carburetor which allows the pilot to select either 'Rich' or 'Lean' mixtures. 'Rich' mixture is used in all normal situations, takeoff, landing, climb, combat. 'Lean' mixture is only used to conserve fuel in level flight Cruise settings, and only when boost is set to '+1' or lower, and rpms to 2600 or lower. Use of 'Lean' mixture setting at higher rpms or boost will result in the destruction of the engine.

Maximum Dive Speed: 420 mph Indicated Airspeed.

Pilots should exercise caution when pulling out of a high speed dive, they should be cautious about using full elevator, especially with nose up elevator trim, and should be especially cautious when they have taken damage to their wings.

Set rpms to 3000
Reduce throttle to slow aircraft to 160 mph
Select Down Flaps
Select Undercarriage down

Trim aircraft for level flight, reduce speed to 130 mph, very gentle turns

On Runway glide approach, reduce speed to 120 mph, then to 100mph over threshold, cutting throttle. Holding the nose level, allow the aircraft to sink gently at 100 mph, touching at 90mph.

Make sure the aircraft is settled on all three wheels before beginning to brake, pump brakes extremely gently and do not hold them. The Spitfire has a tendency to tip over onto its nose if anything other than very gentle braking is used.