The Spitfire replica that got me thinking....!
Designed by John O Isaacs in the late 1960s, and built in the early 1970s, this was the aircraft which convinced me that, one day, I might be able to fly my own Spitfire, even if it was a miniature version.
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G-BBJI in flight, with test pilot Bob Cole in the cockpit
The Isaacs 6/10ths scale Spitfire was designed by schoolmaster John O Isaacs in the late 1960s, to follow on from his successful 7/10ths scale replica of the famous 1930s biplane fighter, the Hawker Fury. Given John's former employment as a draughtsman at Supermarine during the war, this was seen by some to be a very fitting decision to make! |
Isaacs Spitfire cutaway
The Spitfire is an all-wood, fully aerobatic design powered by a Continental 0-200 100hp engine, driving a Ratier two-blade propeller. A fixed undercarriage was fitted as it would be simpler and lighter than to fit retractable gear. Fuel capacity is 10 gallons. The Continental engine gives a top speed of 150mph, with a cruising speed of around 134mph at 2500rpm. |
G-BBJI's wing under construction
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G-BXOM - 2nd Isaacs Spitfire, built by John Betton
This example, G-BXOM, is currently under construction by Mr John Betton. It is currently the second Isaacs Spitfire to be built in the UK. Another example is well on the way towards completion in America. |
In good company - G-BBJI and G-AIST/AR213, Spitfire Mk1a
The Isaacs Spitfire was proven to be quite the performer, even if at one-tenth of the power of the full-size. It could perform every aerobatic manoeuvre the real thing could!! |
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John Isaacs with the prototype Spitfire, G-BBJI
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G-BBJI at a PFA Rally
In order to raise more of an awareness of this aircraft, I have set up a website for it. At the moment there is little to it, but hopefully as interest grows, more and more people will buy sets of plans and construct aircraft. You can view it at: http://www.isaacsspitfire.4t.com |
