A Spitfire formation during a operation for preparing D-day. Only the first batch of aircraft produced were fitted with the . [45], A policy change resulted in the pressurised PR variant of the Mk VII being renamed PR Mk X (type 387). The Mk VI Spitfire was a high altitude fighter, designed to deal with the threat posed by very high flying Luftwaffe aircraft, especially the Junkers Ju86. The Spitfire Mk 21 was the last fighter variant of the aircraft to see service during the Second World War. [22] Most of them were powered by the Merlin 64 (F. Mk. [51], Armament for most Mk XVIs consisted of 2 20mm Hispano II cannon each with 120 rpg and 2 .50 calibre Browning machine guns each with 250 rpg. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Up until the end of 1942, the RAF names had Roman numerals for mark numbers. While early Mk IXs converted from Mk Vcs had the original (smaller) elevator horn mass-balances, most had the enlarged version with the straightened leading edge. [32] Early production Spitfire Mk IXs suffered from vapour locks in the fuel lines resulting from fuel evaporating if the aircraft was parked in direct sunlight. After years of neglect 752 was removed to Manston in 1955 and stood for many proud years as station gate guardian - but sadly corroding away at an ever increasing rate. [4], The undercarriage mountings were redesigned and the undercarriage doors were bowed in cross-section allowing the legs to sit lower in the wells, eliminating the upper-wing blisters over the wheel wells and landing gear pivot points. Early Mk XVIs were equipped with the "c" wing (four 20mm cannon or two 20mm cannon and four .303in machine guns). Supermarine Spitfire LF.Mk.XVIe (RAF TE214 displayed as DN-T 416 RAF Squadron) on display (9/22/2003) at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada (John Shupek photos) . ; (type 361) are the drawing board design numbers allocated by Supermarine.[10][11]. Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. Copyright 2020 Royal Air Force Museum A light for the retractable tailwheel was mounted on the instrument panel, just below the main visual indicator. The year 1942 saw the tide of battle begin to turn in favor of the Allies, and a contributing factor was the increased adaptability of the Spitfire. Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI - RAF Museum The outer machine gun ports were eliminated; although the outer machine-gun bays were retained, their access doors were devoid of empty cartridge case ports and cartridge deflectors. "The Supermarine Spitfire.". Its story has been told repeatedly over the years, so I won't retell it here. The aircraft first flew in March 1936 and was introduced in August 1938. Supermarine Spitfire In the case of the Merlin II/III, XII and 40 series as the air was being compressed it was mixed with fuel which was fed through an SU carburettor before being fed into the engine's cylinders. Aircraft such as the Hawker Tempest and Gloster Meteor were not widely available and the Spitfire would only be able to intercept in a diving attack. [23] The HF Mk had superb high-altitude performance, with a service ceiling of 45,100 feet (13,700m); French ace Pierre Clostermann recalls in his book, The Big Show, the successful interception of a long-range reconnaissance Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6/R3 by a Mk VII 'Strato Spitfire' of 602 Squadron at 40,000 feet (12,000m) over the British Home Fleet's base at Scapa Flow in early 1944. Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI - Skytamer Almost all production Mk XVIs had clipped wings for low altitude work and were fitted with the rear fuselage fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 75 gal. A streamlined round rear-view mirror, with a bullet-shaped fairing replaced the rectangular version. This would lead to 24 marks of Spitfire, and many sub-variants within the marks, being produced throughout the Second World War and beyond, in continuing efforts to fulfill Royal Air Force requirements and successfully combat ever-improving enemy aircraft. I've been playing both the Bf-109 G-10 and Spitfire Mk. The pilot was also warned to avoid instrument flying whenever possible.[39][40]. The cut-down rear fuselage and bubble canopy, trialled on a Spitfire Mk VIII, was incorporated into very late production Mk IXs. [22], With the German invasion of Norway in April 1940 the RAF took an interest in the concept of using floatplane fighters in areas where airfields were not immediately available. Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants) - Wikiwand Spitfire Model: Best Model Airplane Kits in 2023 - This was believed to be the only RAF Spitfire unit to use rockets operationally during the Second World War. This was built up during the climb and was maintained at heights of 28,000ft and above.[20]. [7][10] The Merlin 66 used in the LF Mk IX produced slightly more power but because of the use of slightly different gear ratios driving smaller impellers, the critical altitude ratings of the supercharger stages were lower, 7,000 feet (2,100m) and 18,000 feet (5,500m) respectively. "The Early Griffon Spitfires part 1: Article and scale drawings", Cooke, Peter. [1][attribution needed]. Extended, "pointed" wingtips were fitted to the Type C wings, increasing the wingspan to 40ft 2 in (12.2 m). The true distinguishing feature of "LF" versions was the fitting of low-altitude versions of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. As a result, it was decided to base the Merlin 60 powered PR aircraft on the MK IX airframe. This vehicle maximizes its performance at low altitudes. 612 Sqn, RAF - 1948-1951. While early Mk VIIs were fitted with a detachable canopy, secured by four pilot-operated catches, later Mk VIIs were fitted with a "Lobelle"-type hood which opened by sliding backwards, as on non-pressurised versions of the Spitfire. [8][nb 3], An intercooler was required to stop the compressed mixture from becoming too hot and either igniting before reaching the cylinders (pre-ignition knocking) or creating a condition known as knocking or detonation. at 8 537 m 726 km/h. Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI - HistoryOfWar.org In addition a 13 gal (64 L) fuel tank was fitted in each wing leading edge between the wingroot and the inner gun-bay.[16]. ; Difference between revisions of "Spitfire F Mk XVI" After years of neglect '752' was removed to Manston in 1955 and stood for many proud years as station gate guardian - but sadly corroding away at an ever increasing rate. [2] In 1944 100/150 grade fuels enabled the Merlin 66 to produce 1,860hp (1,387kW) at low altitudes in F.S gear. The fuel injected Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine gave the Bf 109 especially an advantage over the carburettor-equipped engine; no Spitfire could simply "bunt" and dive away from an opponent as the 109 could. Carrying an armament of 2 x 20mm cannons and 4 x 0.5 machine guns as well as a 500 lb bomb and 2 x 250 lb bombs: she was used initially against road and rail targets in Northern Holland and Germany. IX, a Merlin-powered variant, and the basic difference between the Mk. [33], Production of the LF Mk IXs, frequently referred to as the Spitfire Mk IXb, initially ran in parallel with the Merlin 63 powered Marks. 409 Repair and Salvage Unit and re-issued to No. Subsequently, another 15 Mk IXs were converted to PR Mk IXs (factory designation type 374) at the Vickers-Armstrong Worthy Down facility. Great aviation gift ideas for all the family, Leave a gift that inspires future generations, Fascinating workshops to inspire the next generation, RAF Museum London, Propeller Rotol Constant Speed 10'9" diameter (3.22m) An engine driven propeller governor hydraulically controls four wooden blades. Under the port wing a new radiator fairing housed a square oil cooler alongside the other half-radiator unit. Most of the TR 9 aircraft passed to the ground technical training school at Baldonnel where they were used as instructional airframes for the training of aircraft engineers for the Air Corps. A new 10ft 9 in (3.27 m) diameter four-bladed Rotol propeller was fitted, housed in a pointed spinner. [2] Rolls-Royce engineers were already working on a new version of the Merlin incorporating a two-stage supercharger; the combination of the improved Merlin and the Spitfire Mk Vc airframe in a "stop-gap" design allowed the RAF to combat the Fw 190 on equal terms. The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. R. J. Mitchell designed the Supermarine Type 224 to fill this role. 1,720hp (1,283kW) at 11,000ft (3,353 m), 2,050hp (1,530kW) at 9,800ft (2,987 m), 2,120hp (1,771kW) at 12,250ft (3,734 m), 404mph (650km/h) at 21,000ft (6,400 m), 397mph (639km/h) at 17,800ft (5,425 m), 449mph (722km/h) at 24,500ft (7,468 m), 454mph (731km/h) at 26,000ft (7,802 m), 4,745ft/min (24.1m/s) at 10,000ft (3,048 m), 3,760ft/min (19.1m/s) at 2,000ft (609 m), 4,700ft/min (23.8m/s) at 8,000ft (2438 m), 4,100ft/min (21.0m/s) at 17,000ft (5,182 m), 1,415hp (1,055kW) at 14,000ft (4,267 m), 345mph (299.7 knots), (555km/h) at 19,000ft (5,791 m), 359mph (312 knots), (578km/h) at 5,100ft (1,514 m), 392mph (341 knots), (631km/h) at 12,800ft (3,901 m), 452mph (393 knots), (727km/h) at 20,500ft (6,250 m), 2,380ft/min (12.0m/s) at 16,000ft (4,876 m), 3,460ft/min (17.5m/s) at 4,000ft (1,219 m), 4,600ft/min (23.4m/s) at 4,000ft (1,219 m), 4,800ft/min (24.4m/s) at sea level (0 m), 1,475mi (2,374km) with 90 gal drop tank, 8 0.303" Browning machine guns; 350 rpg, 4 0.303" Browning machine guns; 350 rpg, 2 250lb (113kg) or 1 500lb (227kg) bombs, 2 20mm (0.79in) Hispano II cannon; 60 round drum, 2 0.50 in Browning M2 machine guns; 250 rpg or 4 x 0.303; 1400 rounds for the IXc. When the first Rolls Royce Griffon equipped Spitfires were tested it was obvious that a stronger airframe would be needed to harness the full power of the new engine. The original Merlin and Griffon engine designs used single-stage superchargers. Below 1500 m, it has an incredible climb rate, very good top speed and acceleration, great dive performance, and generally outmatches its opponents. Grahame Park Way, The two main tanks were given an extra 11 gal for a total of 96 gal which, along with the wing tanks, allowed the fighter to fly for a maximum distance of 660mi (1,060km) with a full internal fuel load and 1,180 miles (1,900km) with a full internal load and a 90 gal drop tank. Crew: one pilot; Length: 30 ft (9.14 m) Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m) Height: 10 ft (3.05 m) Wing area: 242.1 ft2 (22.48 m2) Airfoil: NACA 2209.4(tip) Empty weight: 6,578 lb (2,984 kg) Loaded weight: 7,923 lb (3,593 kg) Max. Its introduction doubled the effectiveness of RAF gunnery and was a major factor in Allied air superiority. London, UK: Parragon Publishing, 2005. Like the Mk VI, the Mk VII was a high altitude pressurised variant, this time powered by the Merlin 64 (F. Mk. Supermarine Spitfire (late Merlin-powered variants) 315316, 332. It had the pressurised Mk VII cockpit, with the Lobelle sliding canopy, and retained the fighter style windscreen with the bullet-proof glass panel. Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI TD248 was built by Vickers Armstrong at Castle Bromwich in 1944 and released to service on 11th May 1945. 323 : Speed Spitfire : Modified Mk I for an attempt on the world speed record and first flew on 11 November 1938 and would eventually reach a top speed of 408mph. TB752 shows the Wolf insignia of 403 (Wolf) Squadron RCAF. The Spitfire can also mount 2 x 250 lb bombs for destroying ground targets. These were used exclusively by No. Spitfire - FFXIV / FF14 ARR Community Wiki and Guide A Spitfire V W3760 was fitted with a pair of floats 25ft 7 in (7.8 m) long, mounted on cantilever legs. With the cut down fuselage the lower forward fuselage tank capacity was increased to 47 gallons, while the rear fuel tanks were decreased to a capacity of 66 gallons. Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example: 20112023 Gaijin Games Kft. Later models used the "e" wing (two .50in machine guns instead of the four .303s). The Spitfire F Mk XVI can be outfitted with the following ordnance: The Spitfire F Mk XVI is quite unique with its clipped wings. This was replaced by an improved electric starter on most two-stage Merlin powered Spitfires and, from late 1942 the blister like bulge was seen on only a few aircraft. (These outer guns had always been the less effective part of a Spitfire's armament: their distance from the centreline made them hard to harmonise and in turning engagements, wing flexing meant that the rounds were even more widely scattered). Using 100 Octane fuel and +12 lb/in boost the Merlin III was capable of generating 1,310 hp (977 kW). The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had allowed for. The debut of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in late 1941 had caused problems for RAF fighter squadrons flying the latest Spitfire Mk Vb. Total production of the type was 1,054, entering service in November 1944 and remaining in production until August 1945, the last month of the war. On the 25th March 1945, TB 752 was classified as Cat C AC (badly damaged) after the port undercarriage leg failed to lower for landing, the main damage being to the wing and propeller blades. In the spring of 1944, with the prospect of use in the Pacific Theatre, a Spitfire IX MJ892 was converted to a floatplane. Production of the Mk IX finished at Supermarine in June 1943, with production continuing exclusively at the Castle Bromwich factory. As a result, the prefixes which were used on most later Spitfire variants; LF, F, and HF; indicated whether the engines fitted were suited for low, medium or high altitude, respectively. On the 1st May Flying Officer Bob Young destroyed a Fw 190 and two days later an He 111 bomber fell to the guns of Flying Officer Fred Town. The same conversion was used on F Mk XIVe Spitfires to make FR Mk XIVe Spitfires used exclusively by No. Due to the many differences in production Spitfires, performance could vary widely, even between aircraft with the same Mark number. 261 Squadron and a Mk IX converted for use as a trainer by the Soviets, the two-seat Spitfire trainer was primarily a postwar programme. [48] All Merlin 60 powered aircraft featured the fuel cooler in the port leading edge wing root. In trials, the new hood design was found to bring about great improvements to all-round visibility and with several modifications, was standardised on later Spitfires. A Vokes filter was fitted to the carburettor air intake and under the tail an extra fin extension was added. This was fitted as standard to all Mk VIIs, VIIIs, PR Mk Xs and Mk XVIs, on mid to late production Mk IXs, and to most PR Mk XIs. As an example, the maximum power generated by the Merlin 61 was 1,565hp (1,167kW) at 12,250 feet (3,730m) (critical altitude) at M.S. From 1944 onwards the Spitfire Mk XVI went into production with the Merlin 66 engine. The British measured boost pressure as lbs./sq.inch (or psi) above a nominal value of atmospheric pressure at sea level. [12] The indicator rods seemed to be fitted on all Mk VIIs and VIIIs, supplementing the electric visual indicator. 359364, 372376. Skins and camouflages for the Spitfire F Mk XVI from live.warthunder.com. Griffon-engined variants are described in a separate article. Since all of these guns are wing-mounted, convergence should be kept in mind. [31] The new engine had increased power resulting from engine improvements and engine limitations of +18lbf/(sq in) and 3,000 rpm (5 minute combat). Spitfire Mk IX > WW2 Weapons - World Wars 1914-18 and 1939-45 Spitfire Mk XVI The Spitfire Mk XVI (based on the Mk IX) then appeared as a dedicated ground-attack mount fitted with American-made Packard Merlin 266 series inline piston engines (a license-copy of the Merlin 66 series) of 1,720 horsepower, a cut-down rear fuselage spine and a bubble canopy for improved views. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB) and 5.0 (RB/SB). Spitfire - Specifications (Spitfire Mk XIV) Quest Type In total, 140 Mk VIIs were built by Supermarine. The most distinctive feature of this version of the Spitfire was its . Why you will love this model plane kit This model has perfect accuracy and detail. This new carburettor was used from the Merlin 66 series and on all Griffon engines. Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications, performance and armament During the second half of 1943, production of the Merlin 63 powered F Mk IX was discontinued in favour of the Merlin 66 powered LF Mk IX. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet below 1,500 m. However, the clipped wings can provide some significant disadvantages to flying, as well. Up to 2 250lb (110kg) bombs (wing racks), plus 1 500lb (230kg) bomb (centre-section rack). Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI TD248 (G-OXVI) | Spitfire Ltd