Messages

1

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 16, 2003, 05:38:19 pm »

Tony- I would be willing to admit I've made and error, if you can provide a copy of this "sales" documentation. In fact I would love to see it. If you could send (ie scan) this documentation I would greatful. The information for the Type 502/509 comes from "The History" and from "The Spitfire Story" and other well know published sources of information. Eack proposed Mk of two seat conversion had a different Type number. So the Type 499 you refer to may just be for the IAC's aircraft? I would appreaciate your help in clearing up this question of Type numbers.. Thank you- Neil

2

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 15, 2003, 11:04:23 pm »

Thank you for your reply. I do  have the execellent book Spitfire International by Air Britain. I am looking for more background information and details that ex IAC personell can provide. The IAC Spitfires were type 509 conversions from MkIX airframes. The Type 502 is the sole MkVIII conversion MT818.
Thanks Neil

3

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 08, 2003, 12:07:48 am »

Thanks for checking- I look forward to seeing what you uncover. I am mostly looking for the IAC service history and details. The current history is known. Thanks- Neil

4

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 03, 2003, 03:08:33 am »

My name is Neil Medcalf; I am an aviation enthusiast and amateur historian.  I am currently researching the two seat trainer versions of the Supermarine Spitfire for a book on this variant of this most famous of aircraft. I would like to inquire about any possible assistance that anyone might be able to give me with this project.
 
  At this point I am trying to learn more about the Irish Air Corps use of these aircraft. Photos are useful, as well as documented flight time. Other IAC doucuments such as accident reports, newpaper articles, transfers, maintance logs etc. are all helpful. I am interested in the IAC service history, their current history is known to me.  Your personal recollections are just as important, as it will help document their movements, and give "flavour" to the data.

 If you know of anyone who could be of help, please forward  my name and address to them. Thank you for your help in documenting this rare variant of the Spitfire. I also run a small web site devoted to this aircraft at www.canadianguitarist.ca/tnine  . You will find below, a list of the aircraft involved by their Irish Air Corps serial numbers with the corresponding RAF Serials.  Thank you all very much.


MK IX's-
IAC 158- MJ627
IAC 159- MJ772
IAC 160- MK721
IAC 161- PV202
IAC 162- ML407
IAC 163- TE308

5

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 17, 2003, 04:32:43 pm »

Tony - I would be most greatful for your help in furthering the documentation of the IAC's Spitfires. As I live on the West coast of Canada it is very hard to "drop by" the offices of the air arms I'm researching. It is only by the good graces of kind researchers and enthusiasts I am able to put together more information about these airplanes. Perhaps you could email me off board and we can discuss this further. Thank you- Neil

6

Irish Air Corps / IAC Spitfires

« on: August 17, 2003, 06:51:26 am »

Tony and John- After some digging thru my resources I have found a referance to the Vickers- Armstrong specification document refering to the type 499 as the MkVIII and the type 502 as the MkIX conversions. I am now curious as to the type numbers on the original Supermarine drawings. I will be checking this out further. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
 I have never said "I knew better". In fact I will be the first to admit I know very little. So perhaps I am wiser than you give me credit for?. I am however trying to find out more about the overlooked Two seaters history. Of which the IAC forms a very important part of.
In the time I've spent researching these few aircraft I have learned a lot and also more importantly met many great people from around the world. I've also be able to help uncover some of the little known history about these Spitfires from around the world. My modest "fan" website to these aircraft is just that, a "fan" site. If it generates a source of information then great.  
John - Yes I did get your photos. Thank you very much. I'm greatful you provided them. I'm also sorry I forgot to reply to you earlier. My time has been taken up these days by my kids and overtime at my work. Send me your address and I'll send you the money for a pint!

Sincerely- Neil