Spitfire engines

fs addict · Post by **fs addict** » 06 Jan 2006, 13:19

Hi,

Me and my mate were having a discussion. So please vote for the engine you think is better. The RR Merlin or RR Griffon? Look forward to seeing the results of the poll.

Fodda · Post by **Fodda** » 06 Jan 2006, 13:22

Heart says Merlin. Spitfire and Merlin just seem to go together so well...

Even though the Griffon was the better engine, anything used to push tanks through mud just shouldn't really cut it in such a beautiful aeroplane.

Post by **DaveB** » 06 Jan 2006, 13:26

It's all relative mate.

The Merlin was the original and the one that got the Spit through the BoB. The Griffon was a much different beast fitted to later models and gave increased performance to cope with the Spits ever increasing weight problem so you can't really say which was better as the one was developed from the other. The newer engine certainly wouldn't have been worse (and wasn't) so unless it's sound you're asking about, it's a bit of a duff question

Sounds are purely personal so that argument is ruled out too!!

DaveB :smt025

Quixoticish · Post by **Quixoticish** » 06 Jan 2006, 15:38

Griffon by far for me. I prefer the roar to the purr of the Merlin.

fs addict · Post by **fs addict** » 07 Jan 2006, 01:35

I apologise as I have just noticed I have posted this topic on the wrong section, it should have been in the E&S. Sorry :oops:

migman29 · Post by **migman29** » 07 Jan 2006, 10:46

The "Merlin Crackle" for me every every time.
Seafire/Spitty,Hurri,Lanc or whatever,I aren't bothered.

After all the Merlin Crackle WAS Ray Hanna's signiture tune

The Merlin Spit/Seafires are nice to fly,the Griffon series are an altogether different brute.
Speed,power,vicious handling and prop torque.I like to fly the Mk.14,but boy, it needs carefull work to take off and land in one piece,but once you're airborne and at low-level it is good fun and very flies-on-teeth.

Mark

buff · Post by **buff** » 07 Jan 2006, 11:10

Yep. i aggree the merlin for me, sounds amazing,

and it was Ray Hanna's signature tune.

May He Rest In Peace.

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 07 Jan 2006, 14:47

I like both

They sound different too, the Merlin sings but the Griffon snarls and pops

Nigel H-J · Post by **Nigel H-J** » 07 Jan 2006, 19:53

My choice is the Merlin but it is interesting to know that one famous Spitefire pilot AVM Jonnie Johnson who flew in the Battle of Britain and throughout the war flying Spitfires once said:

"Since the Griffon-engined fighter was so different I think it should have had another name".

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » 07 Jan 2006, 21:07

Hi guys,

My Dad flew Spitfires operationally during the war, from the Mk I to the Mk VIII and IX, and post-war flew the Mk 22, with the Griffon.

He tells me that from the pure flying point of view, the Mk V with a Merlin 55 was the nicest 'pilot's aeroplane'. However, as an aeroplane to fight with, the Mk VIII with a Merlin 66 is his choice.

The later, Griffon-powered aircraft became progressively more of a handful, and many would agree that much of the character of the aeroplane changed as more power became available. However, the gain in performance kept the aircraft in the front line for another five years or so and enabled it to keep up with the first-generation jets.

All in all, it's not really a valid question, for reasons that Dave B has stated.

Kevin

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