| Type 391 | |
| Type: | Naval fighter |
| National Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Status: | Concept, cancelled |
| Developed From: | Supermarine Seafang |
The Supermarine Type 391 was the last piston-engined fighter to be proposed by Supermarine.
In 1943, as the design of the Spiteful and Seafang was proceeding, Supermarine presented a brochure to the Air Ministry describing a "High-Performance Aeroplane for the Royal Navy", designated internally as the Supermarine Type 391. Of greater length and span than the Seafang, the Type 391 was intended to be used as a carrier-borne fighter, with a secondary role as a strike aircraft.[1]
The wing of the Type 391 was similar in outline to that of the Spiteful/Seafang but was larger and, unlike all previous Supermarine fighters, was mid-mounted. The whole section outboard of the undercarriage hinged up, while a wide centre-section incorporated thick roots with tapered leading-edge air intakes. These fed the engine cooling radiators. Because of the higher-mounted wing, the main undercarriage legs were also longer, with the wheels pivoting when raised to fit into wells in the fuselage.[2] The forward fuselage was lengthened to accommodate the new engine, while the rear had redesigned and enlarged tail surfaces.[2]
The Type 391 was eventually rejected in favour of the Type 392, which became the Supermarine Attacker.[1]