The Aerolite Spitfire Design Challenge
One of the principal challenges in developing a new generation of recreational Spitfires is reducing aircraft weight while preserving the distinctive proportions and appearance of the original.
Lower weight allows the use of a less powerful engine while maintaining the required power-to-weight ratio, reduces structural loads and substantially lowers fuel consumption, maintenance requirements and operating costs.
Does the Aerolite Spitfire have a Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine?
The original Spitfire’s Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was extremely heavy and played an important part in establishing the aircraft’s centre of gravity. Replacing it with a much lighter modern engine, while retaining the Spitfire’s basic proportions, would move the centre of gravity rearwards.
Is the Aerolite Spitfire full-size?
Correcting this requires careful redistribution of weight and, in particular, a substantial reduction in tail weight without compromising structural strength. This is one reason why many modern replicas of classic fighters have been produced at two-thirds or three-quarter scale rather than the Aerolite Spitfire’s full size.
The Aerolite Spitfire addresses this challenge through a combination of lightweight composite construction, revised weight distribution and carefully calculated changes to the aircraft’s configuration.
The result is not simply a lighter Spitfire. It is an entirely new aircraft at every technical level, evolved from the Spitfire’s iconic form for a new role in a new era.
Contact denise.mullen@aerolite-spitfire.com
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