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## Action
### URL
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### Title
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panorama_017ADA97_1064_B174_41B0_55FD8B0EC806.label = 360 2D Panorama Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI
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video_5896C5A8_49B6_2FE3_4186_7696BC39E343.label = Spitfire 720
photo_1B474F23_15BF_3F3D_4196_CF8B15A72B76.label = Spitfire XVI cockpit 6 pack numbered
photo_185875AA_15BF_E30F_41AA_782449EDFE70.label = Spitfire XVI cockpit engine gauges numbered
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## Popup
### Body
htmlText_24430FCD_3602_26A2_41B0_36000B57305D.html = Compass
The compass in a Spitfire, was a crucial tool for navigation and course setting, It allowed pilots to maintain a heading and track their course, even without visual references on the ground.
Control Column and Gun Firing Button
The gun button safety catch is unlocked by the pilot, who fires the guns in short busts as there was only enough ammunition for 15 to 30 seconds of continuous firing per gun.
NB. The gun button is not the correct type that was fitted in this aircraft.
Control Column
The control column is used to operate the ailerons (wing flaps) for turning, banking and rolling, and the elevator (tail flap) for pitching the aircraft up or down.
Elevator Trim
This is for the fine adjustment of the elevator, which pitches the aircraft up and down
Engine Gauge Panel
These dials gave the pilot information on how the engine was running.
1. Rev Counter - Rotation speed of the propeller
2. Supercharger - Used at higher altitudes to maintain engine performance.
3. Boost Indicator - Showed that the engine was operating correctly with the supercharger.
4. Oil Pressure Gauge
5. Oil Temprature Gauge
6. Radiator Temprature Gauge - Monitoring the engine cooling system
Engine Start Buttons
After switching on the magnetos and lifting the covers, these two buttons would be pressed simultaneously to start the engine.
Foot Pedals
Operated back and forth, these pedals moved the rudder left and right to turn the aircraft.
As with all the flight controls in this Spitfire, these pedals used a system of cables, pushrods and pulleys to manoeuvre the aircraft.
I.F.F. Destruction Buttons
I.F.F. was a secret signal to Identify Friend or Foe. This was achieved by a transponder in the aircraft that emitted a larger than normal blip on Britain’s radar system, thus allowing the operators to recognise between the enemy and the RAF aircraft on the radar screen.
Under the DANGER flap are two buttons that when pressed could destroy the aircraft’s I.F.F. system and prevent the enemy discovering the technology, should the aircraft be shot down or have to land in enemy territory.
Instrument Six Pack
Known as the 'Blind Flying Panel', these six instruments became the central layout in aircraft, being first adopted in 1937 by the Royal Air Force, after which it became standard in all their aircraft.
1. Airspeed Indicator - Flying speed
2. Artificial Horizon - Level & banking
3. Attitude Indicator - Rate/speed of climb and descent
4. Altitude Indicator - Height above sea level
5. Direction Indicator - Gyro Compass (usually set for a back to base heading before take-off)
6. Slip/Trim Indicator - Fine adjustment of rudder and elevator
Landing Gear Control
Raises and lowers the wheels for take-off and landing
Magneto Switches
These switches control electrical power to the ignition system and crucial for helping to start the engine.
These magnetos generated a high voltage using coiled wire and a rotating magnet, creating a spark at the plugs to ignite the fuel.
Oxygen Control
Oxygen was used in the aircraft to help pilots cope with the effects of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
The Supermarine Spitfire MkXVI had a service ceiling of 42,500 feet.
Reflector Gunsight
This gunsight gave the pilot an optical view for more accurate aiming onto a target.
A light was switched on, producing an illuminated sight, visible in the angled piece of glass. This target light was calibrated on the ground by the armourers, aiming the guns to a central point at a distance of 250 to 400 yards (approx. 230 to 365 metres). Depending on the target being engaged, distances could be adjusted by the pilot, using the cogs just below the sight.
Rudder Trim
For the fine adjustment of turning the aircraft left or right (yaw).
Throttle Control
For increasing and decreasing fuel to the engine, thus altering the rotation speed of the propeller and the speed of the aircraft.
Engine: Rolls-Royce (Packard) Merlin -1720hp
Speed: 405mph at 22,000ft
Distance Range: 430 miles (700km).