Stability and Control characteristics of the Early Mark Spitfires

[Glider]

Originally Posted by Al Schlageter

If the early Spits were so tail heavy then why did the MkVIII have 22.5lb added (weight and mount) to the tail? moment arm 175.5"

The very very early spits and I am talking about the first two bladed version, not the mk 1a as per BOB, were tail heavy and had weights in the nose. This ws soon countered as the additional equipment and natural growth common in almost any aircraft did away with the need.