Homepage Ford UK refused to Build Merlin Engines given Rolls Royce Tolerances were Looser than Ford was Willing to Work With

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The Story of when Ford UK Refused to Build Rolls Royce Merlin Engines because the Tolerances Rolls Royce allowed were Looser than Ford was Willing to Work With
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Ford UK refused to Build Merlin Engines given Rolls Royce Tolerances were Looser than Ford was Willing to Work With

By 
Dario Leone
Oct 16 2026

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Even according to Adolf Galland, Spitfire Mk.XIV (not P-51D) was the best WWII piston-engined fighter in Europe. Here’s why.
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Even according to Adolf Galland, Spitfire Mk.XIV (not P-51D) was the best WWII piston-engined fighter in Europe. Here’s why.

Oct 11 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Mortons Books
German Ace Adolf Galland recalls nearly Burning to Death after RAF Spitfire damaged his Bf 109
Aviation History / Military Aviation

German Ace Adolf Galland recalls nearly Burning to Death after RAF Spitfire damaged his Bf 109

Sep 15 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Schiffer Military
RAF Controller during Battle of Britain explains why it’s not true that ‘Hurricanes went for the bombers and Spitfires engaged the fighters’
Aviation History / Military Aviation

During Battle of Britain it’s not true that ‘Hurricanes went for bombers and Spitfires for fighters.’ RAF Controller during BoB tells why.

Sep 13 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Osprey Publishing
Lightning Mach 2 interceptor struggled to win mock dogfights Vs WWII Spitfire during trial flights conducted by RAF between the two types. Here’s why.
Aviation History / Cold War Era / Military Aviation

Lightning Mach 2 interceptor struggled to win mock dogfights Vs WWII Spitfire during trial flights conducted by RAF between the two types. Here’s why.

Sep 10 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Osprey Publishing
Bf 109 Vs Spitfire: the handling tests and why the former turned more readily to the right than to the left
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Spitfire Vs Bf 109: handling tests and why the latter turned more readily to the right than to the left

Sep 6 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Mortons Books
How a captured Focke-Wulf Fw 190A led to the development of the Spitfire Mk IX, the best close-in fighter of WWII
Aviation History / Military Aviation

A captured Luftwaffe Fw 190 led to the development of the Spitfire Mk IX, the best close-in fighter of WWII

Aug 15 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Mortons Books
Unique video shows Spitfire WWII fighters low-level run through Mach Loop
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Unique video shows Spitfire WWII fighters low-level run through Mach Loop

Jul 18 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Spitfire90 tour: Spitfire “K5054” flights with RAF aircraft
Aviation History / Aviation News / Military Aviation

Spitfire90 tour: Spitfire “K5054” flights with RAF aircraft

Apr 9 2026
By 
Dario Leone
When Legendary Luftwaffe Ace Adolf Galland asked Hermann Goering a Squadron of Spitfire fighters
Aviation History / Military Aviation

When Luftwaffe Ace Adolf Galland asked Hermann Goering a Squadron of Spitfire fighters

Mar 23 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Schiffer Military
The dogfight where a Luftwaffe Ju 88 outmaneuvered 2 RAF Spitfires and shot one down
Aviation History / Military Aviation

The dogfight where a Luftwaffe Ju 88 outmaneuvered 2 RAF Spitfires and shot one down

Mar 15 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Osprey Publishing
Two-seat Spitfire painted to replicate K5054 prototype for 90 years of Spitfire first flight
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Two-seat Spitfire painted to replicate K5054 prototype for 90 years of Spitfire first flight

Mar 6 2026
By 
Dario Leone
In 1944 Germany evaluated a Spitfire Mk. V with DB 605 engine: it was 15mph faster than the original Spitfire with Merlin 45 at low level
Aviation History / Military Aviation

The “Messerspit:” when Germans fitted a Spitfire with a DB 605A, they found it was better than the Merlin Version

Mar 3 2026
By 
Dario Leone
Here’s why Royal Navy preferred Wildcat and Hellcat over Seafire for use aboard aircraft carriers during WWII
Aviation History / Military Aviation

Here’s why Royal Navy preferred Wildcat and Hellcat over Seafire for use aboard aircraft carriers during WWII

Jul 8 2025
By 
Dario Leone
P-51 Mustang Vs Spitfire: which was the better Merlin-engined fighter?
Aviation History / Military Aviation

P-51 Mustang Vs Spitfire: which was the better Merlin-engined fighter?

Jun 4 2025
By 
Dario Leone
In 1944 Germany evaluated a Spitfire Mk. V with DB 605 engine: it was 15mph faster than the original Spitfire with Merlin 45 at low level
Aviation History / Military Aviation

In 1944 Germany evaluated a Spitfire Mk. V with DB 605 engine: it was 15mph faster than the original Spitfire with Merlin 45 at low level

May 21 2025
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Mortons Books
WWII ‘Vic’ RAF fighter Battle Formation was dubbed ‘row of idiots’ by Luftwaffe pilots. Here’s why.
Aviation History / Military Aviation

WWII ‘Vic’ RAF fighter Battle Formation was dubbed ‘Row of Idiots’ by Luftwaffe pilots. Here’s why.

May 9 2025
By 
Dario Leone
Sponsored by: Osprey Publishing
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