Supermarine Type 391
| Company type | Aircraft design project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1943 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Carrier-based fighter aircraft (project) |
History
During 1943, while the Spiteful was still under development, Supermarine submitted a brochure to the Air Ministry outlining a "High-Performance Aeroplane for the Royal Navy," internally referred to as the Supermarine Type 391.[note 1] This design featured greater length and wingspan compared to the Spiteful and was intended primarily as a carrier-based fighter, with an additional capability as a strike aircraft.[1]
The Type 391's wing resembled that of the Spiteful in shape but was larger and uniquely positioned mid-fuselage, unlike all earlier Supermarine fighters. The entire wing section beyond the undercarriage hinged upward, while a broad centre-section contained thick roots with tapered leading-edge air intakes supplying cooling air to the engine radiators. Due to the elevated wing placement, the main landing gear legs were extended in length, and the wheels rotated when retracted to fit within fuselage wells.[2] The forward fuselage was lengthened to house a new powerplant, and the tail surfaces at the rear were redesigned and enlarged.[2]
Ultimately, the Type 391 was not adopted; instead, preference was given to the jet-powered Type 392, which evolved into the Supermarine Attacker.[1]
Specifications
See also
Notes
- ↑ Pegram records the only known drawing as dating from July 1944
Citations
Bibliography
- Andrews, Charles Ferdinand and Eric B. Morgan. Supermarine Aircraft Since 1914. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1981. ISBN 978-0851778006.
- Buttler, Tony. British Secret Projects: Fighters and Bombers 1935–1950. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Midland Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-85780-179-2.
- Pegram, Ralph. Supermarine Secret Projects, Vol 2: Fighters and Bombers. Horncastle, Lincolnshire, UK: Mortons Media Group Limited, 2022. ISBN 9781911703044.