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Спитфайр
Spitfire at temora nswedit.jpg
Восстановленный Supermarine Spitfire VIII, A58-758 , цвета и маркировка Wg. Командир Бобби Гиббс из 80 Wing RAAF , основанный на Моротаи в 1945 году.
РольИстребитель / Фоторазведка
ПроизводительСупермарин
ДизайнерДжозеф Смит
Первый полетСентябрь 1941 г. (Mk III с Merlin 61)
ВступлениеИюнь 1942 г. (Mk IX)
На пенсии1955, РАФ
Основной пользователькоролевские воздушные силы
Произведено1942–1945
Количество построенных8 996 (всего 20 346) [1]
ВариантыSeafire , злобный , Seafang
Spitfire LF Mk IX MH434 компании Duxford's Old Flying Machine.

К середине 1942 года британский Supermarine Spitfire столкнулся с рядом проблем. Дебют грозного Фокке-Вульф Fw 190 в конце 1941 года вызвал проблемы для эскадрилий истребителей Королевских ВВС, летающих на новейших Спитфайрах Mk Vb . [2] Инженеры Rolls-Royce уже работали над новой версией Merlin с двухступенчатым нагнетателем ; Комбинация улучшенного Merlin и планера Spitfire Mk VC в конструкции «стоп-гэп» позволила RAF на равных бороться с Fw 190.

Во втором потоке разработки Supermarine работал над улучшенным, усиленным планером Spitfire, который включал в себя несколько новых функций и был разработан для двигателей Merlin 60 и 70 серий. [3] Этот новый планер позже стал основой для Spitfires с двигателем Rolls-Royce Griffon . В этой статье представлена ​​история Spitfire с двухступенчатыми вариантами двигателя, а также описаны некоторые из "чертежных" проектов и экспериментальных Spitfire. Варианты с питанием от Griffon описаны в отдельной статье.

Типы крыла [ править ]

Большинство Спитфайров, начиная с Mk VIII, использовали три основных типа крыла; C, D и E

Тип C [ править ]

Также известное как «универсальное крыло», новая конструкция была стандартной для большинства Спитфайров, построенных с середины 1942 года. Конструкция крыла была изменена, чтобы сократить трудозатраты и время изготовления и нести различное вооружение: тип A, тип B или четыре 20 мм пушка Hispano . [4]

Опоры ходовой части были переработаны, а двери шасси были изогнуты в поперечном сечении, позволяя опорам располагаться ниже в колодцах, устраняя пузыри на верхнем крыле над колесными арками и точками шарниров шасси. Более прочные опоры шасси были согнуты на 2 дюйма (5,08 см) вперед, что сделало Spitfire более устойчивым на земле и уменьшило вероятность опрокидывания самолета на нос. [4] Во время производства Mk VIII и Mk IX была введена новая опора шасси, которая имела внешние V-образные «ножничные звенья», прикрепленные к передней части опоры; Это также привело к небольшим изменениям формы ниши шасси и обтекателей опор. [5] Потому что Spitfire больше не использовался в качестве ночного истребителя.убирались посадочные огни. [4]

Истребители Hispano Mk II снабжались ленточным питанием из коробчатых магазинов, что позволяло делать 120 выстрелов ( система Шаттельро ). Обтекатели над стволами Hispano были короче, и обычно имелся короткий резиновый наконечник, закрывающий внешний порт орудия. Новые двери оружейного отсека верхнего крыла включали пузыри в форме капли, чтобы очистить двигатели подачи пушки, а на нижних крыльях больше не было вентиляционных отверстий для обогрева оружейных отсеков за пределами отсеков орудий. Первая серия Spitfire Mk IX сохранила двери отсека, которые впервые использовались на Spitfire VC; они включали большие блистеры, чтобы очистить двигатели подачи двух пушек Hispano. На всех более поздних Спитфайрах волдыри были меньшего размера и более обтекаемой формы. [4] Чтобы обеспечить место для системы ленточной подачи пушки, внутренние отсеки для пулеметов были перемещены наружу между нервюрами 13 и 14. [4]

Несколько версий Spitfire, начиная с HF Mk VIIs, имели дополнительные топливные баки объемом 13 галлонов, добавленные к передней кромке крыла между корневой частью крыла и внутренним пушечным отсеком. [6] Хотя многие ранние «Спитфайры» были модифицированы, чтобы нести бомбодержатели для бомб весом 250 фунтов (110 кг), первые «Спитфайры», построенные как истребители-бомбардировщики (модификация 1209), принадлежали Вторым тактическим воздушным силам. Первые Mk IX Spitfire, использованные в качестве истребителей-бомбардировщиков, начались в июне 1944 года [7].

Тип D [ править ]

These were made for photo-reconnaissance Spitfires, including the PR Mk X and XI; no armament was fitted and the "D" shaped leading edges of the wings, ahead of the main spar, were converted into integral fuel tanks, each carrying 66 gallons. To avoid the expansion of fuel in hot weather damaging the wing, pressure relief valves, with small external vent pipes, were fitted near the wing tips.[8]

E type[edit]

Конструктивно идентичен крылу C. Внешние порты для пулеметов были устранены; хотя внешние пулеметные отсеки были сохранены, их люки доступа не имели пустых отверстий для гильз и дефлекторов патронов. Новое крыло позволяло установить четырехпушечное вооружение, а внутренние отсеки могли нести крупнокалиберные пулеметы . Таким образом, было два возможных варианта вооружения: либо

  • 2 пулемета Browning M2 калибра 50 калибра с 250 патронами во внутренних отсеках и 2 20-мм пушки Hispano Mk II с 120 патронами во внешних отсеках

или же

  • 4 × 20-мм пушка Hispano с 120 снарядами [4]

Пулеметы .303, установленные во внешних крыльях, больше не устанавливались, потому что пули винтовочного калибра были неэффективны против тяжело бронированных самолетов. (Эти внешние орудия всегда были менее эффективной частью вооружения Спитфайра: их расстояние от центральной линии затрудняло их согласование, а при поворотах изгиб крыла означал, что снаряды были еще более разбросаны). 20-мм пушка Hispano была перенесена за борт, а во внутренние отсеки для орудий были добавлены винтовки Browning M2 / AN калибра .50 с боезапасом 250 патронов. Первая пробная установка (модификация 1029) была произведена на БС118 в ноябре 1943 года; К середине марта 1944 года первые служебные «Спитфайры» были модифицированы в составе 485-й (Новой Зеландии), 222-й и 349-й эскадрилий. Спитфайры с этим вооружением сначала называлисьSpifire LF.IX .5 и суффикс E не были официально представлены до начала 1945 года. Это вооружение было стандартным для всех Spitfire Mk IX и XVI, используемых 2-м Тактическим ВВС в качестве истребителей и истребителей-бомбардировщиков вскоре после Дня высадки . [7] Он оказался более эффективным как для боевых действий воздух-воздух, так и для атак класса «воздух-земля». [9]

У многих Спитфайров эллиптически «заостренные» законцовки крыла были заменены более короткими прямоугольными обтекателями, что немного улучшило максимальную скорость на малой высоте и увеличило скорость крена. Хотя многие «LF» Спитфайры ( например, LF.IX) имели «обрезанные» крылья, у некоторых их не было. Истинной отличительной чертой «LF» версий была установка на низковысотные версии двигателя Rolls-Royce Merlin.

Варианты [ править ]

Отметьте числа, введите числа [ править ]

Номера Mark не обязательно указывали на хронологический порядок, Mk IX был временным промежутком, запущенным в производство до Mks VII и VIII. Некоторые Спитфайры одной марки или варианта могли быть изменены на другую; несколько первых Mk VB были преобразованы из Mk IB; Первые Mk IX были Mk VC, в некоторых случаях преобразованные компанией Rolls-Royce на их заводе в Хакнелле .

Вплоть до конца 1942 года имена RAF были римские цифры для чисел марки. В период 1943–1948 годов новым самолетам, поступающим на вооружение, присваивались арабские цифры для обозначения номеров марок, а на старых самолетах сохранялись римские цифры. С 1948 года использовались исключительно арабские цифры. В этой статье принято использование римских цифр для Mks I – XVI и арабских цифр для Mks 17–24. Типовые числа, например; (тип 361) - это номера чертежей на чертежной доске, присвоенные Supermarine. [10] [11]

Особенности поздних двигателей Спитфайров Мерлина [ править ]

С разработкой двигателей Merlin 61/63/66 и 70 серий с двухступенчатым двухскоростным нагнетателем, требующим промежуточного охладителя , в базовый планер были внесены несколько важных изменений, которые были применены ко всем самолетам с этими двигателями. Более длинный Merlin 61 означал, что нос перед переборкой двигателя / топливного бака был на 7 дюймов (17,8 см) длиннее. За двигателем на кожухе нагнетателя устанавливался интеркулер. Небольшой прямоугольный воздухозаборник для воздушного компрессора "Heywood" был установлен на правом верхнем капоте двигателя.

Воздухозаборник карбюратора на Spitfire IX ранних и средних серий отличался по форме от одноступенчатых самолетов; они были короче и имели более широкий воздухозаборник. С 1943 года для воздухозаборника карбюратора был введен тропический фильтр «Aero-Vee» с длинным обтекаемым обтекателем. Это было стандартно для всех Mk VII, VIII, PR Mk Xs и Mk XVI, на Mk IX среднего и позднего производства и на большинстве PR Mk XI.

Был установлен новый четырехлопастной винт Rotol диаметром 10 футов 9 дюймов (3,27 м) , помещенный в заостренный спиннер. Выхлопные устройства заменены на шесть штабелей «рыбий хвост» на каждую сторону. Под носом трехкомпонентный капот был заменен на цельный. Масляный бак больше не являлся частью конструкции капота. Ранние Mk IX имели пузырек в форме капли для стартера двигателя Коффмана [№ 1] на нижнем кожухе правого борта, сразу за гребным винтом. Он был заменен улучшенным электростартером на большинстве двухступенчатых двигателей Спитфайров Merlin, а с конца 1942 года блистер был замечен только на нескольких самолетах.

Тип C крыло было установлено в качестве стандартных. Некоторые модели среднего и позднего выпуска Spifire Mk IX и все Mk XVI были оснащены крылом Type E. В то время как Spitfire IX, преобразованные из Mk VC, имели большие каплевидные обтекатели на верхних поверхностях, на большинстве Mk VII, VIII, IX и XVI пузыри каплевидной формы, покрывающие двигатели подачи Hispano, были уменьшены в размерах и более обтекаемы, чем на Mk. VC. Согласно AP 1565J P&L (Spitfire IX, XI и XVI Pilot's Notes) стержни индикатора ходовой части, окрашенные в красный цвет, которые выступали через верхние части крыльев, когда шасси было опущено, использовались только на ранних серийных Mk IX. При установке эти штанги дополняли «Электрический визуальный индикатор», установленный на приборной панели. [12]Стержни индикатора, казалось, были установлены на всех Mk VII и VII в дополнение к электрическому визуальному индикатору. Фонарь убирающегося хвостового колеса был установлен на приборной панели, чуть ниже основного визуального индикатора. [13] [nb 2]

Поскольку для промежуточного охладителя требовался радиатор, радиатор под правым крылом был уменьшен вдвое, а радиатор промежуточного охладителя разместили рядом. Под левым крылом новый обтекатель радиатора разместил квадратный масляный радиатор рядом с другим блоком полурадиатора. Когда двигатель работал на малых оборотах, одна секция радиатора обеспечивала достаточное количество охлаждающей жидкости; термостатический выключатель отключил секцию радиатора правого борта до тех пор, пока не потребовалась дополнительная мощность и не потребовалось дополнительное охлаждение двигателя. [14]

Другие конструктивные изменения включали заклепку заподлицо для фюзеляжа, введенную в середине 1943 года. На смену прямоугольной версии пришло обтекаемое круглое зеркало заднего вида с пулевидным обтекателем. На новых Mk IX был удален небольшой опознавательный фонарь в форме капли за радиомачтой.

В то время как ранние Mk IX, преобразованные из Mk VC, имели оригинальные (меньшие) весовые балансы рупора руля высоты, большинство из них имели увеличенную версию с выпрямленной передней кромкой. Новый руль направления большей площади, который можно было определить по «заостренному» наконечнику, был установлен на многих Mk VII, Mk VIII, а также на Mk IX и Mk XVI среднего и позднего производства.

Все Спитфайры Mk VII и Mk VIII претерпели следующие изменения: Усилена и переработана внутренняя конструкция. На крыльях элероны были уменьшены в размахе на 8,5 дюймов (220 мм) от внешних шарниров. Считалось, что было несколько случаев, когда более ранние модели разбивались в воздухе при крутых высокоскоростных пикированиях из-за флаттера элеронов. [№ 3]

Увеличена вместимость основных топливных баков фюзеляжа; 47 галлонов (213,7 л) для верхнего бака и 49 гал (222,7 л) для нижнего. В сочетании с крыльевыми баками это дало общий внутренний объем 122 галлона (554,6 л), что почти на 50% больше, чем 85 галлонов (386,4 л) более ранних марок Spitfire. Кроме того, на каждой передней кромке крыла между корнем крыла и внутренним орудийным отсеком был установлен топливный бак объемом 13 галлонов (64 л). [16]

Основные стойки шасси впервые в жизни Spitfire были оснащены обращенными вперед моментными рычагами. Кроме того, дверцы опор были слегка вогнутыми, что позволяло шасси при втягивании опускаться ниже в колесных арках: это означало, что верхняя обшивка крыла была свободна от небольшой выпуклости, которая прежде была необходима для очистки колес. Сами колеса были нового усиленного образца Dunlop AH10019 "с четырьмя спицами", заменившего шаблон "с пятью спицами", который использовался со времен первого Mk Is. Эта переработанная ходовая часть также была установлена ​​на некоторых моделях Mk IX от среднего до конца и на всех Mk XVI. [17] Было установлено убирающееся хвостовое колесо (Dunlop 2184), закрытое небольшими дверцами во время полета. Это также относилось к PR Mk Xs и большинству PR Mk XI.

Mk VII (тип 351) [ править ]

Этот Spitfire HF Mk VII EN474 был протестирован USAAF и теперь находится в Смитсоновском национальном музее авиации и космонавтики , единственном уцелевшем экземпляре Mk VII. Обратите внимание на «заостренные» удлиненные законцовки крыла и воздухозаборник для наддува кабины под выхлопными трубами.

Like the Mk VI, the Mk VII was a high altitude pressurised variant, this time powered by the Merlin 64 (F. Mk. VII) or 71 (H.F. Mk. VII) series engine with two-stage, two-speed superchargers.[18][nb 4] The cockpit was pressurised in a similar way to that of the Mk VI, although the details were slightly different. Other changes to the airframe are noted above. The Mk VII used a Marshall manufactured compressor for pressurising the cockpit; this was mounted on the right of the engine and drew its air through a long intake under the starboard exhaust stubs. An automatic valve allowed a maximum pressure differential of +2 lb./sq.in. This was built up during the climb and was maintained at heights of 28,000 ft and above.[20]

Extended, "pointed" wingtips were fitted to the Type C wings, increasing the wingspan to 40 ft 2 in (12.2 m). Because the threat from high altitude bombers never materialised many Mk VIIs later reverted to the normal, rounded wingtip.

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. This was a big improvement on the clampdown cockpit of the Mk VI. The canopy was double-glazed and used rubber tubing to create a proper pressure seal against the fuselage. The canopy rails were bulkier than the standard Spitfire type.[20][21]

Spitfire Mk. VIIc EN474 on display in the World War II Aviation exhibition at NASM.

In total, 140 Mk VIIs were built by Supermarine.[22] Most of them were powered by the Merlin 64 (F. Mk. VII) or Merlin 71 (H.F Mk. VII), the latter fitted with a Bendix-Stromberg "anti-g" carburettor.[23] The HF Mk had superb high-altitude performance, with a service ceiling of 45,100 feet (13,700 m); 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 (12,000 m) over the British Home Fleet's base at Scapa Flow in early 1944.

Mk VIII (type 360)[edit]

Spitfire Mk VIII

The Mk VIII was an adaptation of the Mk VII without the pressurised cabin and was intended to become the main production model of the Spitfire. When the "interim" Mk IX proved itself to be adequate for the RAF it was decided to use the shadow factory at Castle Bromwich to produce that version only; the Mk VIII Spitfires were all built by Supermarine. Apart from the lack of pressurisation, the Mk VIII differed little from the Mk VII beyond the reshaped fin and pointed rudder. Some early production models had extended wingtips but the majority were fitted with the standard version; according to Supermarine's Chief Test pilot Jeffrey Quill "When I am asked which mark of Spitfire I consider the best from the flying point of view, I usually reply 'The Mark VIII with standard wingtips.' I hated the extended wingtips...They were of no practical value to the Mark VIII and simply reduced the aileron response and the rate of roll."[24] There were three sub-variants for low altitude (LF Mk VIII), medium altitude (F Mk VIII) and high altitude (HF Mk VIII) which were powered respectively by the Merlin 66, Merlin 63 and Merlin 70 engines.[23]

Spitfire Mark VIII taxies to the end of the Red Road airstrip in Calcutta, India.

The F Mk VIII's top speed was 408 mph (657 km/h) at 25,000 ft (404 mph for the LF Mk VIII at 21,000 ft (6,400 m) and 416 mph (669 km/h) for the HF Mk VIII at 26,500 ft), with a service ceiling of 43,000 ft (41,500 ft for the LF Mk VIII and 44,000 ft (13,000 m) for the HF Mk VIII). 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 660 mi (1,060 km) with a full internal fuel load and 1,180 miles (1,900 km) with a full internal load and a 90 gal drop tank. Provision was made to allow the Mk VIII to carry a single "slipper" drop tank of 30, 90 or 170 gal capacity. With a 170 gal tank, the aeroplane could fly over 1,500 mi (2,400 km). When carrying the 90 or 175 gal tank the aircraft was restricted, once airborne and at cruising altitude, to straight and level flight.[6] A maximum external bomb load of 1,000 pounds (1 × 500 lb (230 kg) bomb attached to the centre bomb-rack plus a 250 lb (110 kg) bomb under each wing) could be carried.

A Mk VIII JF299 was used to experiment with the use of a new cut-back rear fuselage and a "tear-drop" canopy. This was intended to aid pilot visibility; many Spitfire pilots who were shot down were done so by enemies who approached in the aircraft's blind spot. 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.[25]

This variant served almost exclusively overseas in the Mediterranean, with the Desert Air Force and the USAAF, in the South West Pacific Area, with the Royal Australian Air Force and RAF and in the South-East Asian theatre with the RAF. After the Mk IX and Mk V, the Mk VIII was the third most numerous operational variant with 1,658 examples built.[24]

Mk IX (type 361)[edit]

BS456 UZ-Z of 306(Polish) Toruński Squadron, RAF Northolt, November 1942. A Spitfire IX converted from a Mk VC airframe. A teardrop shaped blister for a Coffman cartridge starter can be seen just behind the propeller. This aircraft carries a 30-gallon "slipper" drop tank under the fuselage.

In the early months of 1942, with the clear superiority of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over the Spitfire VB, there was much pressure to get Spitfires into production using the new two-stage supercharged Merlin 61 engine. In September 1941 the Spitfire Mk III prototype N3297 had been converted by Rolls-Royce at their Hucknall plant to take a Merlin 60, which had been specifically designed for use in the Wellington Mk VI high altitude bomber.

The performance increase was described by Jeffrey Quill as a "quantum leap" over that of the Mk VB and another Spitfire airframe, R6700 was modified to take the new engine. Although design work on the Mk VII and VIII series was under way, these would take over a year to get into production and a counter to the Fw 190 was urgently needed. The Air Ministry made the decision that Mk VC airframes should be converted to take the more powerful engine and, as a result, many of the early IXs were converted Mk VCs which did not have any of the refinements which later appeared. These could be identified by the Type C wing with the large double blisters over the inner cannon bays and the identification light on the fuselage spine, behind the aerial mast. The elevator horns were also smaller in size than that of most Mk IXs which had larger horn balances.[26][27] The first IX was a modified VC AB505, which was tested by the Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) in April 1942.[nb 5] The report said;

The performance of the Spitfire IX is outstandingly better than the Spitfire V especially at heights above 20,000 feet. On the level the Spitfire is considerably faster and climb is exceptionally good. It will climb easily to 38,000 feet and when levelled off there can be made to climb in stages to above 40,000 feet by building up speed on the level and a slight zoom. Its manoeuvrability is as good as a Spitfire V up to 30,000 feet and above is very much better. At 38,000 feet it is capable of a true speed of 368mph and is still able to manoeuvre well for fighting.[29]

Although the Mk IX's airframe did not have the aerodynamic and strength improvements, or the modified control surfaces of the Mk VII and VIII, the Mk IX still proved to be an effective counter to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.[30]

Early Mark IXBs of 611 Squadron based at Biggin Hill in late 1942. Note the large cannon blisters and ID lights behind the mast, denoting converted Mk VCs.

In September 1942, the "High Altitude Flight" was set up at RAF Northolt to counter the threat of the high altitude Junkers Ju 86 R bombers. Two Spitfire IXs converted from VCs were stripped of armour, the .303 Brownings and other equipment and repainted in a lightweight PRU blue finish. One of them intercepted a Ju 86R at over 40,000 feet (12,000 m).

Production of the Mk IX finished at Supermarine in June 1943, with production continuing exclusively at the Castle Bromwich factory. Several major and large numbers of minor improvements were progressively introduced to Mk IXs, some of which were used on other Spitfire variants.

The Merlin 61 was phased out early in 1943 in favour of the Merlin 63 and 63A.[31] The new engine had increased power resulting from engine improvements and engine limitations of +18 lbf/(sq in) and 3,000 rpm (5 minute combat). 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.[32] Early production Spitfire IXs suffered from vapour locks in the fuel lines resulting from fuel evaporating if the aircraft was parked in direct sunlight. As a result of this the gun-camera was moved from the port wingroot to the starboard wingroot and a fuel cooler, fed by a small round air-intake was fitted in its place. This fuel cooler was also fitted to early PR Mk XIs[33]

Production of the LF Mk IXs, frequently referred to as the Spitfire IXB, initially ran in parallel with the Merlin 63 powered Marks. This version first became operational in March 1943 with the Biggin Hill Wing, comprised at the time of 611 and 341 (Free French) Squadrons. This type was by far the most produced of the Spitfire IX variants, with over 4,000 built. The maximum power of the Merlin 66 was 1,720 hp (1,280 kW) at 5,750 ft (1,283 kW at 1,752 m) and the maximum speed of the Spitfire LF IX was 404 mph (650 km/h) at 21,000 feet (6,400 m).[34] The Merlin 66 introduced a new Bendix-Stromberg injection carburettor, which replaced the earlier S.U float carburettor.[31]

The H.F IX was powered by the specialised high altitude Merlin 70 and entered service in the Spring of 1944. Serial listings show that the HF Mk IX was produced in relatively limited numbers when they were required, with priority being given to versions rated for low and medium altitudes[nb 6] Maximum power of the Merlin 70 was 1,710 hp (1,280 kW) at 11,000 ft (1,275 kW at 3,353 m): maximum speed of the Spitfire HF.IX was 405 mph (652 km/h) at 25,400 feet (7,700 m) at an all-up weight of 7,320 lb (3,320 kg).[36]

The cockpit of a Spitfire IX showing the instrument panel and the Mk II Gyro gunsight.

Also introduced in early 1944 was a new Mark II Gyro gunsight. This gunsight calculated the correct angle of deflection to use when leading the target. Its introduction doubled the effectiveness of RAF gunnery and was a major factor in Allied air superiority.[37]

The capacity of the main fuel tanks was 48 gal for the upper tank and 37 gal for the lower, for a total internal capacity of 85 gal. Jettisonable "slipper tanks" of 30, 45 or 90 gal could be carried under the centre-section.[38] As an alternative a cylindrical 50 gal drop tank, adapted from those carried by long range Hawker Typhoons, could be carried on the fuselage bomb rack used on most Mk IXs of the Second Tactical Air Force. To further increase the combat radius some late production Mk IXs were fitted with additional internal self-sealing fuel tanks in the rear fuselage: the upper tank carried 41 gal and the lower 34 gal. When both were full this enabled a ferry range of over 1,200 miles (1,900 km), although they made the aircraft unstable in flight and only straight flight and gentle manoeuvres at low altitudes were recommended by the pilot's manual. The pilot was also warned to avoid instrument flying whenever possible.[39][40]

Late production Mk IXs, in common with Mk XVIs introduced a new upper engine cowling which incorporated a distinct bulged top surface; this design was adopted for the Mk XVI to allow for the modified intercooler of the Packard Merlin 266, which had an integral header tank.

The cut-down rear fuselage and bubble canopy, trialled on a Spitfire Mk VIII, was incorporated into very late production Mk IXs. 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.[38] These were the rarest of the Mk IXs and many of them featured the "clipped" wings. The great majority of these saw postwar service with the SAAF, both in South Africa and in deployment in Korea during the 1950s.

During early 1945, some Spitfire IXEs and XVIEs of 74 Squadron were fitted with a single RP-3 rocket under each wing. This was believed to be the only RAF Spitfire unit to use rockets operationally during the Second World War.[41]

PR Mk IX (type 374) and FR Mk IX[edit]

Pending development of a dedicated Merlin 61 powered PR Spitfire (the Mk XI) at least three Mk IXs (BS338, BS339 and BS473) were taken off the production line and modified to carry two vertical cameras in the rear fuselage. The first of these was delivered to 541 Squadron at RAF Benson on 30 November 1942. Subsequently, another 15 Mk IXs were converted to PR Mk IXs (factory designation type 374) at the Vickers-Armstrong Worthy Down facility. As well as incorporating camera equipment, a wrap-around PR type windscreen was fitted and a larger oil tank was installed under the nose. All armament was removed and a PRU Blue finish applied. These aircraft lacked the "wet wing" tanks, meaning that the PR Mk IX relied on drop tanks for extra range. The most famous PR Mk IX missions involved carrying out reconnaissance missions in preparation for Operation Chastise, the 617 "Dambusters" Squadron attacks on the Ruhr dams. A PR Mk IX photographed the dams the day before the operation and photographed the Moehne Dam after the operation.[42]

FR IXs were standard, armed Mk IXs modified with a single, port-facing, oblique camera. These aircraft were used for low altitude "Dicing" missions in tactical support of army operations. 16 Squadron, which was a unit of the 2nd TAF, used several FR Mk IXs (painted a pale, "Camoutint" Pink, which provided excellent camouflage under cloud cover) to photograph the Arnhem area before and during Operation Market Garden. Another unit using FR Mk IXs was 318 (Polish) "City of Gdańsk" Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron based in the Mediterranean.[43] Some Spitfires in the MJ- and MK- serial ranges, sent for repair to the Forward Repair Unit (FRU), were also converted by the FRU to a different style of FR Mk 9C with streamlined blisters on both sides of the fuselage. These were used exclusively by No. 414 Squadron RCAF to replace its TAC-R Mustangs. The same conversion was used on F Mk XIVE Spitfires to make FR Mk XIVE Spitfires used exclusively by No. 430 Squadron RCAF.[44]

T Mk IX and TR 9 (type 509)[edit]

Irish Air Corps Spitfire T.9

Although there were wartime conversions of the Spitfire into a two-seat trainer including the one-off modification of a Mk VC by RAF no. 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. In 1946, a Mk VIII (MT818) was the first Vickers-built trainer built as a demonstrator, but in 1948, 10 Spitfire T Mk IXs, were exported to India. In 1951, a further six TR 9 trainers were converted from the standard Mk IX to train pilots for the Irish Air Corps (IAC) Seafire fleet. The Spitfires provided transition training that included gunnery practice since the type was equipped with two .303 Browning machine guns, one in each outer wing bay. 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. Four of the IAC aircraft survived and two went on to join the warbird fleet in the 1970s and later.

In total, 5,656 Mk IXs were built, 561 by Supermarine and 5,095 by Castle Bromwich.[22] Production of the Mk IX ended in April 1945 and, in combination with the Mk XVI this "compromise" was produced in larger numbers than any other Spitfire variant.

PR Mk X and PR Mk XI (types 387, 365 and 370)[edit]

Spitfire PR Mk XI in 2008. The PR variant can be recognised by the larger-capacity deeper oil tank under the nose made necessary by the greater duration of the long-range reconnaissance flights.

When development started on new Merlin 60 powered Spitfires, both the Mk VII and VIII were to have photo-reconnaissance (PR) variants. On 21 April 1942, an order was placed for 70 aircraft, provisionally designated PR Mk VIII. Based on the revised MK VIII airframe these aircraft were to be powered by Merlin 61s and were assigned serial numbers LV643–681 and LV726-756. The Spitfires bearing these serials were eventually built as Merlin 66 LF Mk VIIIs.[45]

A policy change resulted in the pressurised PR variant of the Mk VII being renamed PR Mk X (type 387). This version followed the PR Mk XI into production and was based on the Mk VII airframe with PR Mk XI wings and camera installation. It had the pressurised Mk VII cockpit, with the Lobelle sliding canopy, and retained the fighter style windscreen with the bullet-proof glass panel. The long thin air intake to the cockpit pressurisation system was fitted under the exhaust stacks on the starboard cowling. The performance was similar to that of the PR XI although the pressurised cockpit meant that this version could stay at altitudes of over 40,000 ft for longer without the exhausting physiological effects experienced by the pilots of unpressurised cockpits.[46] Sixteen Mk Xs were built during April and May 1944, with the first mission being flown on 11 May. All saw limited service in 541 Squadron and 542 Squadron for high altitude reconnaissance. Experience with this version led to the development and production of the pressurised version of the PR Mk XIX.[47]

The Mk XI (type 365 standard, type 370 tropicalised) was based on a combination of features from the marks VII, VIII and IX. The Mk XI was the first PR variant to have the option of using two vertically mounted F52 cameras with 36-inch-focal-length lens in the fuselage behind the cockpit.[48] Several other configurations could be fitted, depending on the mission; the X Type installation, for example had two vertically mounted F24s with 14-inch lens and an oblique F24 with an 8-inch lens mounted above and facing to port.[49] PR Mk XIs used for tactical reconnaissance had an additional, vertically oriented camera in a fairing under each wing.[48]

Physically the Mk XIs had a deeper nose fairing to accommodate a larger 14.5 gal oil tank and used the unarmoured, wrap-around PRU windscreen. Booster pumps for the wing tanks were fitted and covered by teardrop shaped fairings under the wings. Retractable tailwheels were fitted as standard and the majority of the Mk XIs built had the later large-area pointed rudder. 260 Mk XIs were powered by Merlin 61, 63 or 63A engines, while the remaining 211 used the high-altitude Merlin 70. All of the Merlin 70 and 198 of the Merlin 60 series aircraft were fitted with the Vokes Aero-Vee dust filter in the extended, streamlined carburettor air intake under the nose.[48] All Merlin 60 powered aircraft featured the fuel cooler in the port leading edge wing root. The radio installation was either the VHF TR.1133 or TR.1143 fitted with the "Rebecca" beam approach equipment.[48]

Additional slipper drop tanks could be fitted under the centre-section; in common with the Mk IX these could be 30, 45 or 90 gal capacity and, for the Mk XI, a tank of 170 gal capacity was also available.[38]

Spitfire PR Mk XIs were capable of a top speed of 417 mph (671 km/h) at 24,000 ft (7,300 m) and could cruise at 395 mph (636 km/h) at 32,000 ft (9,800 m). Normally Spitfire XIs cruised between these altitudes although, in an emergency, the aircraft could climb to 44,000 ft (13,000 m) However, pilots could not withstand such altitudes for long in a non-pressurised cockpit without suffering from serious physiological effects.[46]

At first, production of the PR Mk XI was delayed because development of the Mk VII and VIII series was delayed. As a result, it was decided to base the Merlin 60 powered PR aircraft on the MK IX airframe.[45] Production was further threatened because of a dispute over RAF PR doctrine: in early 1943, because the new PR Spitfire was delayed, the Air Ministry proposed that all PR units be converted to de Havilland Mosquitoes. After further analysis the Air Staff agreed that Mosquitoes could perform 90% of PR missions so the Spitfire production for only 10% of PR units was mooted. Air Vice Marshal John Slessor, head of Coastal Command pointed out that the Spitfire was smaller than the Mosquito, used half the number of Merlin engines and was faster, more manoeuvrable and quieter and, therefore production should be increased, not reduced. As a result, the Air Staff decided that PR Mk XI production should be accelerated at the cost of the fighters.[48]

The first Mk XIs were built in November 1942: from April 1944 production ran concurrently with the PR Mk XIX before ending in December 1944, when they were phased out in favour of the Mk XIX. In total 471 Mk XI were built by Supermarine.[50]

PR Mk XIII[edit]

The PR Mk XIII was an improved PR Type G with a single-stage Merlin engine and is described in Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin powered variants)

Mk XVI (type 361)[edit]

A late Spitfire Mk XVIE with the teardrop canopy. This is TD248, currently flying at Duxford.

The Mk XVI was the same as the Mk IX in nearly all respects except for the engine, a Merlin 266. The Merlin 266 was the Merlin 66 and was built under licence in the USA by the Packard Motor Company. The "2" was added as a prefix in order to avoid confusion with the engines, as they required different tooling. All Mk XVI aircraft produced were of the Low-Altitude Fighter (LF) variety. This was not determined by the length of the wings (clipped wings were fitted to most LF Spitfires), but by the engine, which had been optimised for low-altitude operation. 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.[38] Many XVIs featured cut-down rear fuselages with bubble canopies. On these aircraft the rear fuselage tank capacity was limited to 66 gal.[38]

Because of a slightly taller intercooler and rearranged accessories on the Packard Merlins a new, bulged upper cowling was introduced and also appeared on late production IXs.[51]

Armament for most Mk XVIs consisted of 2 × 20 mm Hispano II cannon – each with 120 rpg – and 2 × .50 calibre Browning machine guns – each with 250 rpg. 1 × 500 lb (227 kg) bomb could be carried underneath the centre rack, and 1 × 250 lb (114 kg) bomb could be slung under each wing. Some production aircraft had rear fuselage fuel tanks in addition to the main tank which allowed it to fly approximately as far as the Spitfire Mk VIII. Problems with the licence-built engines limited introduction to front-line squadrons for several months. A total of 1,054 Mk XVIs were built by Castle Bromwich.[22]

Spitfire Floatplanes (types 355 and 359)[edit]

The Spitfire Vb floatplane W3760

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. To this end a Spitfire Mk I R6722 was taken in hand at the Woolston factory to be modified and mounted on Blackburn Roc floats. Tank tests were carried out at Farnborough, using a 1/7 scale model, it was found that the concept was basically sound, although the vertical tail surfaces would need to be enlarged to counterbalance the side area of the floats. The end of the Battle of Norway and the need for as many Spitfires as possible meant that R6772 was converted back to an ordinary fighter without being flown.[52][53] With the entry of Japan into the war the concept was revived in early 1942. A Spitfire V W3760 was fitted with a pair of floats 25 ft 7 in (7.8 m) long, mounted on cantilever legs. This aircraft was powered by a Merlin 45 driving a four-bladed propeller of 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) diameter (3.4 m). A Vokes filter was fitted to the carburettor air intake and under the tail an extra fin extension was added.[54]

Other changes included external lifting points forward of and behind the cockpit and a spin-recovery parachute with a rudder balance-horn guard. The Spitfire floatplane was first flown on 12 October 1942 by Jeffrey Quill. Soon afterwards the Vokes filter was replaced by an Aero-Vee filter, similar to that on later Merlin 61 series aircraft, which was extended to prevent water entry, and full Mk VB armament was installed. Two more VBs EP751 and EP754 were converted by Folland and all three floatplanes were transported to Egypt, arriving in October 1943. At the time it was thought that the floatplanes could operate from concealed bases in the Dodecanese Islands, disrupting supply lines to German outposts in the area which relied on resupply by transport aircraft. This scheme came to naught when a large number of German troops, backed by the Luftwaffe, took over the British held islands of Kos and Leros. No other role could be found for the floatplane Spitfires, which languished in Egypt, operating from the Great Bitter Lake. Specifications for the VB based floatplane included a maximum speed of 324 mph (521 km/h) at 19,500 ft (521 km/h at 5,943 m), a maximum rate of climb of 2,450 ft/min at 15,500 ft (12.45 m/s at 4,724 m) and an estimated service ceiling of 33,400 ft (10,180 m).[55][nb 7]

In the spring of 1944, with the prospect of use in the Pacific Theatre, a Spitfire IX MJ892 was converted to a floatplane. This used the same components as the earlier Mk VB conversions. Jeffrey Quill wrote:

The Spitfire IX on floats was faster than the standard Hurricane. Its handling on the water was extremely good and its only unusual feature was a tendency to "tramp" from side to side on the floats, or to "waddle" a bit when at high speed in the plane.

Soon after testing started the idea of using floatplane fighters was dropped and MJ982 was converted back to a landplane.[56]

Five aircraft were converted:

  • Mk I – R6722
  • F Mk Vb – W3760
  • Mk V – EP751 and EP754
  • Mk IXb – MJ892 [57][58]

Drawing board projects[edit]

  • Supermarine 305: Designed to the same specification as the Boulton Paul Defiant and Hawker Hotspur. The basic Spitfire wing and undercarriage were mated to a new fuselage which provided room for a gunner and a remote control four-gun turret (originally armed with .303 Brownings, later with Lewis machine guns.) Other modifications included a cooling system mounted in a chin radiator housing. There was no forward firing armament and dive brakes were added to the wings. Projected speed 315 mph (507 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,572 m).[59]
  • Supermarine 312: This was the basic Spitfire Mk I adapted to take four 20 mm Oerlikon cannon mounted in modified wings. The radiator and oil cooler were moved from under the wing to a duct under the fuselage. This was R J Mitchell's last design before his death in 1937.[60]
  • Supermarine 324, 325 and 327: These designs were for twin-engined fighters which used the same construction techniques and elliptical wing as the Spitfire. All three used tricycle undercarriage with the primary engine being a Merlin with an alternative being the Bristol Taurus. The 324 and 325 were intended to carry an armament of 12 .303 calibre Brownings in groups of six in each outer wing, while the 327 had the armament changed to six 20 mm Hispanos mounted in the wing roots. The 324 and 327 had conventional tractor engines, while the 325 had a pusher engine.[61]

Griffon engine variants[edit]

Main article: Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon-powered variants)

The early Spitfire variants powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon were adaptations of Mk VC (early Mk XII) or Mark VIII (late Mk XII and Mk XIV) airframes. The later Griffon-engined Spitfire variants embodied new wings, tail units and undercarriages and were very different from any of the earlier Spitfire marks. Griffon-engined variants are described in a separate article.

Production[edit]

After the destruction of the main Itchen and Woolston works by the Luftwaffe in September 1940, all Supermarine manufactured Spitfires were built in a number of "Shadow Factories"; by the end of the war there were ten main factories and several smaller workshops which built many of the components. A fuller explanation can be found in Supermarine Spitfire. The main Castle Bromwich factory was also aided by a smaller number of the shadow factories.[62]The breakdown of production figures is taken from Air International 1985, p. 187. Information as to when the first production aircraft emerged is from the serial number lists provided in Morgan and Shacklady 2000. Because the first of the Mk IXs were converted from Mk VCs the first true production Mk IX is listed by serial Number.

Production by Mark[22][63]
MarkBuilderNumberNotes
F VII, H.F VIISupermarine140First Mk VII September 1942
F VIII, L.F VIIISupermarine1,658First Mk VIII 11 November 1942
F IX, H.F IX
L.F IX		Supermarine
Castle Bromwich		5,656First Mk IX BR581 June 1942
PR XSupermarine16First Mk X May 1944
PR XISupermarine471First Mk XI November 1942
XVICastle Bromwich1,054First Mk XVI October 1944

See also[edit]

  • Allied technological cooperation during World War II
  • Military history of the United Kingdom during World War II

Related development

  • Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants)
  • Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon-powered variants)
  • Supermarine Spitfire variants: specifications, performance and armament
  • Supermarine S.6B
  • Seafire
  • Spiteful
  • Seafang

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The Coffman starter was connected to the propeller reduction gearbox and used large shotgun-like cartridges loaded into a chamber to "kick-start" the engine. It was first used on the Spitfire Mk II and was also used by Napier Sabre powered aircraft.
  2. ^ In addition to the visual undercarriage aids, early Mk IXs and all Mk VIIs and VIIIs had an undercarriage warning horn which sounded if the undercarriage was still retracted with the engine throttled back. This horn was a legacy from pre-war operations when several Spitfires were accidentally landed with the undercarriage still up.[13]
  3. ^ After a series of accidents to Mk Vs in 1942 the A&AEE concluded that the break ups were due to longitudinal-instability, resulting from incorrect loading of the aircraft on the squadrons causing the centre of gravity to be outside the safe limits.[15]
  4. ^ A prototype of the Mk VII, AB450, was converted from a Mk V and used a Merlin 61, otherwise the 64/71s were used.[19]
  5. ^ Some of very early Mk IXs were converted by Rolls-Royce at Hucknall with engine cowlings from Mk VCs extended with a new section welded onto the rear and extemporised blisters added, covering the intercooler which was mounted on the supercharger of the Merlin 61.[28]
  6. ^ HF Mk IXs were produced under the ML, NH, PL, PT, PV, TA, TB, TD and TE serial number prefixes; about 400 were built.[35]
  7. ^ Based on figures taken from a trials report of the prototype taken at the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment (MAEE) at Helensburgh (near Glasgow) in 1943.

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Air International 1985, p. 187.
  2. ^ McKinstry 2007, pp. 278–279.
  3. ^ Price 1982, p. 171.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Barbic 1996, pp. 165–167.
  5. ^ Laird and Matusiak 2009, pp. 39–42.
  6. ^ a b Air Ministry 1943, pp. 16, 27–29, para 64.
  7. ^ a b Shores and Thomas 2008, pp.586, 607.
  8. ^ Laird & Matusiak 2009, pp. 54–55.
  9. ^ Price 2002, p. 155.
  10. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, p. 593.
  11. ^ Type numbers "Supermarine Type Numbers." Archived 27 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine mildb.org. Retrieved: 10 February 2008.
  12. ^ Air Ministry 1946, p. 11.
  13. ^ a b Air Ministry 1943, pp.10–11.
  14. ^ Matusiak 2007, p. 35.
  15. ^ Quill 1983, pp. 232–233, 238.
  16. ^ Air Ministry 1943, pp.2, 32; FIG 4.
  17. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 273, 289.
  18. ^ Air Ministry 1943, p. 6.
  19. ^ Price 2010, p. 204.
  20. ^ a b Air Ministry 1943, p. 13.
  21. ^ Laird and Mackenzie, 1997, p. 7.
  22. ^ a b c d Air International 1985, p. 187.
  23. ^ a b Air Ministry 1943, p.6.
  24. ^ a b Price 2002, p.171.
  25. ^ Price 2002, pp. 171, 175, 178–179.
  26. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 307–309.
  27. ^ Price 1999, pp. 153–170.
  28. ^ Price 1995, p. 12.
  29. ^ Delve 2007, p. 80.
  30. ^ Price 1995, p. 9.
  31. ^ a b Air Ministry 1946, p.6.
  32. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 315–317.
  33. ^ Matusiak 2007, pp. 21, 38.
  34. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 315–316, 332.
  35. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 359–364, 372–376.
  36. ^ Price 1999, p. 170.
  37. ^ Price 2002, pp.154–155
  38. ^ a b c d e Air Ministry 1946, p.7.
  39. ^ Air Ministry 1946, pp. 7, 23.
  40. ^ Mk IX Fuel System.
  41. ^ Price 1999, p. 158.
  42. ^ Matusiak 2007, pp.33–34.
  43. ^ Matusiak 2007, pp. 37, 52–53.
  44. ^ Higgins, Terry. "Aviaeology decal set AOD72009 RCAF FR Spitfires." Aviaeology, 2012.
  45. ^ a b Matusiak 2007, p.31.
  46. ^ a b Matusiak 2007, p.51.
  47. ^ Matusiak 2007, pp. 31, 50–51, 54.
  48. ^ a b c d e Matusiak 2007, p. 34.
  49. ^ Smallwood 1996, p.20.
  50. ^ Price 2002, pp. 181–182.
  51. ^ "Packard 266 Installation." Spitfire Performance. Retrieved: 21 August 2011.
  52. ^ Price 2002, pp. 193–203.
  53. ^ Ford 2004, p. 63.
  54. ^ Price 2002, pp. 195, 202.
  55. ^ Price 2002, pp. 195, 202.
  56. ^ Price 2002, pp. 195, 201.
  57. ^ Aeroplane Monthly – April 1975 issue – Personal Album – More Spitfire floatplanes
  58. ^ Price 2002, p.195.
  59. ^ Buttler 2004, pp. 53–54, 64.
  60. ^ Buttler 2004, pp. 35, 50.
  61. ^ Buttler 2004, pp. 14–17, 32.
  62. ^ Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp.611–614.
  63. ^ Morgan and Shacklady (2000)

Bibliography[edit]

  • Air Ministry. Pilot's Notes for Spitfire Mark F.VII – Merlin 64 or 71 engine; Mark F.VIII-Merlin 63,66 or 70 engine. Air Publication 1565G & H -P.N. London, UK: Air Ministry, December 1943.
  • Air Ministry. Pilot's Notes (3rd edition) for Spitfire IX, XI & XVI; Merlin 61, 63, 66, 70 or 266 Engine. Air Publication 1565J, P & L -PN. London, UK: Air Ministry, September 1946.
  • Bachelor, Len J. "Supermarine Spitfire (Griffons) Mks. XIV & XVIII". Aircraft in Profile, Volume 13. Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1973, pp. 265–288. ISBN 0-85383-022-3.
  • Bader, Douglas. Fight for the Sky: The Story of the Spitfire and Hurricane. London: Cassell Military Books, 2004. ISBN 0-304-35674-3.
  • Barbic, Vlasco. "The Spitfire and its Wing: Article and scale drawings." Scale Aviation Modeller Volume 2, Issue 3, March 1996. Bedford, UK: SAM Publications, DMZee Marketing Ltd.
  • Buttler, Tony. British Secret Projects: Fighters and Bombers 1935–1950. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Midland, 2004. ISBN 1-85780-179-2.
  • Caygill, Peter.Combat Legend; Spitfire Mks VI-F.24. Ramsbury, Marlbourough, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press Ltd, 2004. ISBN 1-84037-400-4.
  • Cooke, Peter. "The Early Griffon Spitfires part 1: Article and scale drawings" Scale Models Magazine Vol. 9, No 109, October 1978. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK.
  • Cooke, Peter. "The Early Griffon Spitfires part 2: Article and scale drawings" Scale Models Magazine Vol. 9, No 110, November 1978. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK.
  • Dibbs, John and Tony Holmes. Spitfire: Flying Legend. Southampton UK: Osprey Publishing, 1997. ISBN 1-84176-005-6.
  • Ford, Daniel. "Spitfires with Sea-Boots: The Floatplane Interlude". Air Enthusiast, No.114, November/December 2004. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing, pp. 61–65.
  • Hancock, Ian. The Lives of Ken Wallis: Engineer and Aviator Extraordinaire. Flixton, Bungay, Suffolk, UK: Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum, 2008 (Fourth Edition). ISBN 978-0-9541239-4-9.
  • Jackson, Robert. "Spitfire: The History of Britain's Most Famous World War II Fighter." London, UK: Parragon Publishing, 2005. ISBN 0-7525-8770-6.
  • Jane, Fred T., ed. "The Supermarine Spitfire." Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. ISBN 1-85170-493-0.
  • Laird, Malcolm and Steve Mackenzie. Spitfire the ANZACS; The RAF through Colonial Eyes. Wellington, NZ: Ventura Publications, 1997. ISBN 0-9583594-1-5.
  • Laird, Malcolm and Wojtek Matusiac. Merlin PR Spitfires in Detail: Classic Warbirds No. 11. Wellington, NZ: Ventura Publications, 2009. ISBN 0-9582296-5-1
  • Listemann, Phil H. Allied Wings No.1: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII. France: www.raf-in-combat.com, 2007. ISBN 978-2-9526381-4-2.
  • McKinstry, Leo. Spitfire: Portrait of a Legend. London: John Murray, 2007. ISBN 0-7195-6874-9.
  • Matusiak, Wojtek (September–October 2001). "Five to Nine: Evolving the Spitfire — A Detailed Examination of the Modifications (Mythical and Real) That Turned the Mk.V into the Mk.IX". Air Enthusiast. No. 95. pp. 14–31. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Matusiak, Wojtek. Merlin PR Spitfires; Classic Warbirds No.10. Wellington, New Zealand: Ventura Publications, 2007. ISBN 0-9582296-2-7
  • Morgan, Eric B. and Edward Shacklady. Spitfire: The History. London: Key Publishing, 2000. ISBN 0-946219-48-6.
  • Palfrey, Brett R. and Christopher Whitehead. Supermarine Spitfire: History of a Legend. Royal Air Force (RAF). Retrieved: 27 December 2006.
  • Price, Alfred. Late Marque Spitfire Aces 1942 – 1945. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 1995. ISBN 1-85532-575-6.
  • Price, Alfred. Spitfire Mark I/II Aces 1939–41. London: Osprey Aerospace, 1996. ISBN 1-85532-627-2.
  • Price, Alfred. The Spitfire Story. London: Weidenfeld Military, 1999 (New edited edition). ISBN 1-85409-514-5.
  • Price, Alfred. The Spitfire Story. Enderby, Leicester, UK: Siverdale Books, 2002 (Revised second edition). ISBN 1-85605-702-X.
  • Quill. Jeffrey. Spitfire: A Test Pilot’s Story. London: Arrow Books, 1983. ISBN 0-09-937020-4.
  • Shores, Christopher and Chris Thomas. 2nd Tactical Air Force Volume four; Squadrons, Camouflage and Markings, Weapons and Tactics 1943–1945. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Midland Publishing 2008. ISBN 978-1-906537-01-2
  • Smallwood, Hugh. Spitfire in Blue. London: Osprey Aerospace, 1996. ISBN 1-85532-615-9.
  • Spick, Mike. Supermarine Spitfire. New York: Gallery Books, 1990. ISBN 0-8317-1403-4.
  • "Spitfire: Simply Superb, Part three". Air International, Volume 28, Number 4, April 1985. Bromley, Kent, UK.
  • Thomas, Andrew.Griffon Spitfire Aces: Aircraft of the Aces 81. London: Osprey Aerospace, 2008. ISBN 978-1-84603-298-1.

Videography[edit]

  • Spitfire: Frontline Fighter (IWM DVD)
  • Spitfire-the pilot's view (DVD)

External links[edit]

  • The Spitfire Site
  • The Spitfire Society
  • Alan Le Marinel hosts Supermarine Spitfire
  • Spitfire Performance Testing
  • Spitfire/Seafire Serial Numbers, production contracts and aircraft histories
  • Warbird Alley: Spitfire page – Information about Spitfires still flying today
  • K5054 – Supermarine Type 300 prototype Spitfire & production aircraft history
  • The Spitfire: Seventy Years On – Includes images of the factory
  • Spitfire Mk. VIII and Mk. XVI – Temora Aviation Museum page