Compared to the Merlin version, Spitfire’s performance with the DB 605 was excellent
Among British aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire is arguably the most well-known. The aim to provide higher performance than had been previously accomplished by the F.7/30 design heavily affected Spitfire’s design, which was created by Supermarine Aviation Works (Vickers) Ltd initially on a private venture basis. Their concurrent development became an essential element of the Supermarine Spitfire tale as a result of this, along with a further drive to maximize the capabilities of the Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon engines.
Did German engineers ever install a German engine in a captured Spitfire during World War II?
‘Yes, and they tested it at Rechlin – where it was found to be better than the Merlin version!’ Charles McDevitt, an aviation historian, explains on Quora.
‘In November 1942, Spitfire VB EN830 NX-X of 131 Squadron made a forced landing in a turnip field in German-occupied Jersey. The plane was repaired by German forces and re-engined with a DB 605A, amongst other modifications.
‘When the Merlin engine was removed it was discovered that the fuselage cross section was virtually identical to that of the engine nacelle of a Messerschmitt Bf-110G. Consequently, a new engine support structure was built onto the Spitfire’s fuselage, and the DB 605 engine and cowling panels added. A propeller unit and supercharger air intake from a Bf 109 G completed the installation.
‘Other changes made were to replace the Spitfire instruments with German types and to change the 12-volt electrical system to the German 24-volt type. In this form, the Daimler-Benz Spitfire started flying in early 1944.
‘The ease of switching between upright and inverted V12s should come as no great surprise since the first Bf 109 flew with a Rolls Royce Kestrel engine.’
McDevitt concludes;
‘The ‘mule’ retained the sweet handling of the original Spitfire and was popular with German pilots more used to the wilful landing performance of the Bf-109.
‘Performance with the DB 605 was superb – significantly better than the Merlin version – but then it had had all armament removed and was a lot lighter!
‘It was flown regularly until destroyed in a USAAF bombing raid on 14 August 1944.’
Photo by WW2aircraft.net