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Question about the aerial masts (straight and airfoil types) and spinners on Spitfire Mk1


cactuswest

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Hello forum,

This is my first post.

I have the two threads regarding the Spitfire but I am reading it leisurely and so far have not found the answer.

 

What were the aerial masts (straight and airfoil types) on Spitfire Mk1 made of? Wood or metal?

I cannot find a photo showing chipping on the spinner of the real Spitfire. I am correct in believing they just did not chip?

 

Thank you 

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As far as I'm aware both types of the aerial masts were made of metal.

 

The antenna wire had to run down the centre of the early straight version in order to then connect to the radio in the fuselage. With the later version the wire ran around the prong and then down into the fuselage.

 

Regards

Colin.

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Must admit I never knew the aerial masts were made from wood but it makes sense and possibly explains why the metal prong was left on in many instances when the aerial wire was no longer required as removal would almost certainly have caused some damage.

 

Regards

Colin.

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On 25/01/2022 at 07:02, Dave Swindell said:

Pole mast was metal, the airfoil shaped mast was wooden.

Nearly correct but quite misleading answer. The tapered aerial post was metal with a wood core.

 

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Edited by wmcgill
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