The Sea Otter amphibious biplane was designed to replace the Walrus on reconnaissance and general duties, including air-sea rescue. It was produced before World War II and went into service with the RAF and FAA during the war. A total of 290 was built. After the war a number were modified for civil use with the normal military equipment removed. Power was provided by one 637kW Bristol Mercury 30 radial, giving a maximum level speed of 241km/h.
Engine: 1 x Bristol Mercury XXX, 638kW / 843 hp Max take-off weight: 4530 kg / 9987 lb Empty weight: 3080 kg / 6790 lb Wing loading: 16.4 lb/sq.ft / 80.0 kg/sq.m Wingspan: 14.02 m / 46 ft 0 in Length: 12.01 m / 39 ft 5 in Height: 4.93 m / 16 ft 2 in Wing area: 56.67 sq.m / 609.99 sq ft Max. speed: 130 kt / 241 km/h / 150 mph Cruise speed: 87 kt / 161 km/h / 100 mph Ceiling: 4875 m / 16000 ft Range: 900-1160 km / 559 – 721 miles Armament: 3 x .303in / 7.7mm machine-gun Crew: 2 Payload: 2 pax
With the success of the MK25 single seat the demand for a two seat spitfire that looked like a single drove Mike O’Sullivan to build the MK26 80% Spitfire in the early 90s.
A two-seat Spitfire built as a kit by Australian Mike O’Sullivan, retaining the single seat canopy and the passenger seat is placed where the radio rack would be in the original WW II aircraft. The passenger’s legs will be on either side of the pilot’s seat when inside. In lieu of a passenger, the space can be occupied by up to 90 kg of baggage. The overall scale is 80 per cent. Features such as the sliding bubble canopy, drop down doors and vertically oriented oval control stick are all there. The kit is of all aluminium construction other than a couple of fibreglass fairings. All major structural components have been finished by Supermarine Aircraft. The factory completes about 700 hours of work and the owner is estimated to have about 1200 hours of work remaining to complete the aircraft. Powered by the eight cylinder Jabiru of 200 horsepower
It’s a two-seater, complete with elliptical Spitfire wings, removable and are of aluminium with stressed skin construction.
This aircraft has been superseded by the MK26B 90% Spitfire.
Supermarine Spitfire MK26b
With the success of the MK25 and the MK26, the idea was hatched in mid 2004 to produce 90% spitfire due to the demand from customers.
The design of the MK26B Spitfire is to keep the kits simple and the build time down so that the builders can get the aircraft flying in less that a year. The prototype took just over 8 months to complete with all the tooling, cad drawings and setting up for production.
The MK26B is designed to house our V6 and V8 engine with out any modifications. It also has under wing radiators as an option which gives it that final touch.
The Mk26 and Mk26b are now well proven designs with all aluminium components pre-drilled and precision cut using a computer cotrolled CNC router cutter. This keeps parts standards consistent and accurate, a far cry from the original Spitfires construction methods. The main structural sections of the aircraft are pre-built in factory jigs thus ensuring the highest possible accuracy of these critical components. The method of construction is aimed at the average person who is good with their hands.
Mk.26b
The Mk.26B fuselage is two seat and features a stainless steel firewall, monoque construction of aircraft grade aluminium, aircraft grade rivets, paints dimpled and riveted ready for fix out of internals, and has a rear luggage compartment. The instrument panel and cockpit is layed out much the same as the original Spitfire, with dual electric fuel pumps, switch operated, and dual electric flap motors.
The landing gear is retractable (electro-mechanical) and gas-strut assisted. An emergency release for landing gear can be initiated by the pilot. The wheels can be individually activated and use a similar locking system to the original Spitfire physical “tell tail” pins which rise up on the wings to indicate leg position and are standard in the kit. Undercarriage warning lights can also be added.
The six-inch wheel rims are custom made to match the original Spitfire looks and dual caliper disc brakes are used in combination with fully adjustable pedal controls.
The fuel tank is forward of the pilot and behind the engine as original. Volume is 150 litres. A fuel level sight gauge is mounted on the instrument panel. The Spitfire also has a wing tank option available This increases fuel volume by approx 140Ltrs. A trim is cable operated with adjustable stops.
The pilot seat & pedals fully adjustable to suit the pilot. There are fresh air outlets for both pilot and passenger via outside air scoops.
The 90% scale two seat Mk.26B fast build kit were available and suit a V-6 260-340 hp or V8 420 hp. Load limit is +6 and –4G.
It all started when Mike O’Sullivan in the very early 90s built the first all metal 75% Spitfire reproduction. Mike built the first one and word soon got around about the quality and likeness to the original spitfire that people where asking him to build them a spitfire. This got Supermarine off the ground and running.
A 75 per cent scale single seat Spitfire based on the original MkV. The wing area was increased and pilot seat moved forward to retain a correct centre of gravity position. Powered by a Jabiru 3300 six cylinder.
In 1926 Superior Aircraft Co of Dearborn MI., USA, built a three-place, open cockpit biplane, registered N1636 c/n 1. It first flew on 15 August 1926.
It was sold in 1927 to Henry J Limbright (Dearborn), but the registration was cancelled on 16 October 1928 when he failed to reply to CAA inquiry for information.
Engine: 120hp Super LeRhône Wingspan: 31’6″ Length: 23’6″ Seats: 3
A two-seat low-wing cabin monoplane, derived from the Culver Model V, and rebuild of Culver PQ-8 target drone. They featured retractable undercarriage.
First flying on 20 December 1957, they were certified under ATC 2-559 and 2-584 and, priced at $6,720 about 40 were sold.
Engine: 80hp Franklin 4AC Wingspan: 29’0″ Length: 21’0″ Useful load: 570 lb Speed: 130 mph Range: 700 mi Seats: 2
All Aero 