Supermarine Attacker 1st prototype (TS 409) questions

[John R]

I am about to start the AZ version of this a/c and know of some disparaging comments about difficulties constructing it. Can anyone please nelighten me further?

I understand that the first prototype differed from the production version in a number of ways. Can anyone please provide further information on the following?

Air intakes were smaller - significantly or negligible?

No ejector seat - what did the original look like?

No guns - photos appear to show stub fairings

Smaller tailplane - how much?

Taller fin - the kit seems to have covered this

Arrestor hook - I don't believe it had one and if so was the place where it was eventually fitted faired over?

I know there were other differences but I do not think they would be noticable on my version

John

 

Edited October 10, 2016 by John R
Title amended

[71chally]

It might depend on what you call the prototype.

 

The prototype of the series was the VS392, TS409, and was a generic experimental design that could meet a land or sea based fighter.

My interpretation is that it had provision for the canon armament from the beginning as it simply used the Spiteful wing and undercarriage.  The intakes were slimmer, but unsure by how much it would show on a 72nd rendition.

The Attacker prototype proper was the VS398, TS413, that did have the cannon provision, an arrestor hook and a Martin Baker Mk1 ejection seat.

The third aircraft TS416, had the enlarged intakes, and the wing moved aft by about a foot.

 

The first production Attacker, WA469, was the first to have the folding wings, it wasn't originally built with the dorsal fillet.

 

I must admit I thought the fin & rudder were essentially the same height, but production Attackers had the prominant dorsal fin fillet, this feature was later retroftted to TS409.

Edited October 10, 2016 by 71chally

[John R]

I should have specified TS409 as it wasn't known as the 'Attacker' until TS413 appeared.