Spitfire XIV drop tanks

[Brooke]

Dear HTC, hereby requesting addition of larger drop tanks for Spitfire XIV.

In Aces High, we have the 30 imperial gallon (36 US gallon) drop tank.  It turns out the Spit 14 had several drop tanks available, the 30, 45, 50, and 90 imperial gallon models (so 36, 54, 60, and 108 US gallons).

This link is the Spit 14 pilot manual.  Relevant information is on page 41, Section 66, Part c, "Long-range fuel capacities" that lists the drop tanks available.
http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/vvjack/wwwhome/SPIT14.pdf

Also, with respect to the 90 imperial gallon tank (most useful for special events), there are pilot references that talk about it being well available in late 1944.  Searching books.google.com on "spitfire xiv 90 gal" gives various references such as:

The Lord is My Shepherd, by Wilkinson (pilot of Spit 14's in 41 Squadron), p. 43:
"In September of 1944 our 41 Squadron was finally equipped with my beloved Spitfire XIV's and we were assigned to high altitude Lancaster bomber escort.  The long distance flights to the Ruhr district and other targets in Germany with a 90 gallon belly tanks were exciting events recurring often. . . ."
and p. 47
"With a 90-gallon belly tank we could fly for three hours."
https://books.google.com/books?id=nhMdDAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA47&dq=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&pg=PA43#v=onepage&q=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&f=false

Heroes of the Skies, by Vietch (interview of Sid Handsaker, pilot of Spit 14's in 451 Squadron):
"The the five blades of his Spitfire XIV suddenly windmilled to a stop. . . . He closed down the throttle, then reached down to the awkwardly placed fuel noodles . . . to switch off the 90-gallon drop tanks and go to the main. . . ."
https://books.google.com/books?id=n4cpCgAAQBAJ&lpg=PT227&dq=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&pg=PT227#v=onepage&q=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&f=false

Flying to the Limit, by Caygill, p. 26:
"Owing to its short range, it was considered that the Spitfire XIV would tend to be operated with a 90-gallon long-range tank. . . ."
https://books.google.com/books?id=NFTEPiyEiSsC&lpg=PA26&dq=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&pg=PA26#v=onepage&q=spitfire%20xiv%2090%20gal&f=false

[Brooke]

Also:

From "Report No. 117:  Tactical Trials -- Spitfire XIV", in "Brief Description" section, paragraph 2:
"Pick-up points are provided for carrying of 30 gallon, 45 gallon or 90 gallon drop tanks."
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spit14afdu.html

From "Spitfire F. Mk XIV R.B. 141, Weights and loading data", in Section 2.2:
"2.2. In addition to the above load the following alternative items may be carried:
(a) 30 gallon tinned steel drop tank.
(b) 30 gallon vulcanized fibre drop tank.
(c) 30 gallon wood drop tank.
(d) 90 gallon tinned steel drop tank."
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/rb141weights.html

[RODBUSTR]

    Not just the Mk14.  other spits had larger drop tanks. Some types could fly to berlin and back from the east coast of England.  The drop tank  in AH3 will get You to 20k from sea level. The wing tanks will get You up to the  fantasy bombing alt of the buffs and ki67s  The  2 other tanks  afford about  22 minutes to  HO bombers.  Later model MK14s had an extra 33 gallon tank in the fuselage...... and bubble canopies.   That would be nice. But  It works well enough as It is. Have a blast.

[Zimme83]

    Not just the Mk14.  other spits had larger drop tanks. Some types could fly to berlin and back from the east coast of England.  The drop tank  in AH3 will get You to 20k from sea level. The wing tanks will get You up to the  fantasy bombing alt of the buffs and ki67s  The  2 other tanks  afford about  22 minutes to  HO bombers.  Later model MK14s had an extra 33 gallon tank in the fuselage...... and bubble canopies.   That would be nice. But  It works well enough as It is. Have a blast.

Afaik the only ones capable of going to Berlin were the P.R Versions that had a leading edge fuel tank instead of guns.

[RSLQK186]

I venture to guess Brooke's mind is in the SEA at a FuelBurnRate of 1
I would love to see all historical fuel options available for all aircraft. I know it may be a problem of labor vs return and may not be needed in the Mains but the CMs already have to make hard airframe choices and substitutions. I think it would open some more options for them.

[Guppy35]

Brooke.  The Spits never went to Norway in any form.   I can’t post the info on any of the 41 Squadron ops.  Johnny Wilkenson of 41 recently passed away. He lived in South Dakota.

[Brooke]

Brooke

Yes, I know.

[Oldman731]

Brooke.  The Spits never went to Norway in any form.   

And anyway, everyone knows that Spits never had drop tanks.

- oldman

[Guppy35]

And anyway, everyone knows that Spits never had drop tanks.

- oldman

Exactly!