The (Almost) Invicible Spit!

[klem]

Originally Posted by JG52Krupi

The spitfire used a stressed skin this means it was designed to take more loads allowing the designers to remove weight from the spars and ribs therefore it makes more sense that when it is damaged it is likely to have a big impact on it's performance and the loads it can deal with!!!

That's why this "it's only panels is completely wrong!

Was that for me krupi? If so I think I haven't explained properly. With some panels missing the rest of the wing would still generate some lift, it doesn't necessarily mean it will fall out of the sky and of course it would be structurally weakened as it is a stressed skin construction. It may not get you home depending on the loss of lift and it would be ridiculous to think you could survive an attempt to dogfight in it but some Spitfires did get home with quite a lot of damage (not as good as the Hurri though).