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Supermarine Spitfire EDIT

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The Supermarine Spit�re is a British World War II (http://en.wikipedia.or
FANDOM g/wiki/World_War_Two) �ghter aircraft, which saw worldwide service
during the war and the years afterward. The Spit�re was �rst introduced
in 1938 and continued in operational service until the 23rd November
1954.[1] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/post_war.htm) During its
sixteen year service, the Spit�re saw action in the Battle of Britain, the
GAMES Mediterranean, mainland Europe, Africa, the Paci�c, Israel and many
other places worldwide, making it one of the most globally active �ghter
aircraft ever built. Today several remain in operational condition, mainly
ANIME
with British enthusiast clubs such as the Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight. [2] (http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/) Supermarine Spit�re (GB)
Fighter Aircraft
MOVIES
aka Type 300
Contents
Production 1938–1948

1. Origins Combat Experience World War II (http://en.wikipedia.

TV
(With RAF) org/wiki/World_War_Two) (in
2. Operational History in the RAF general)
Battle of Britain
2.1. Pre War
V-1 'Doodlebug' Interception (ht
VIDEO 2.2. 1939: The Phoney War tp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-1_�

2.3. 1941: The Battle of Britain ying_bomb)

1948 Arab-Israeli War (http://en.
2.4. 1940-1942: Battle over France & Europe
WIKIS wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Arab-I
2.5. 1942: North Africa sraeli_War#British_aircraft)
Greek Civil War (http://en.wikipe
2.6. 1943: Encroaching on the Fatherland
dia.org/wiki/Greek_Civil_War)
START A
WIKI
2.7. 1944: Retaliation in France Malayan Emergency (http://en.w

2.8. 1945: Road to Berlin ikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Emer

gency)
2.9. Post War

3. Flight Characteristics
Number of passengers 1
4. Variants
Length 29ft 11in (9.12 metres) (Mk1-6)
5. Legacy 31ft (9.90 metres) (Mk8-12)
32ft 8-11in (9.96-10.03 metres)
(Mk14-24)

Origins
Wingspan 32ft 6in (9.9 metres) (Mk9 + 12)
36ft 10in (11.23 metres) (Mk1-5,
As tensions between Britain and Nazi Germany heated up, the Air
8 + 14)
Ministry decided that a new fast, sleek �ghter aircraft was necessary to
36ft 11in (11.25 metres) (Mk24)
complement the Hawker Hurricane, as a large proportion of British air 40ft 2in (12.29 metres) (Mk6)
power at the time still consisted of ageing biplanes like the Bristol
Bulldog and Gloster Gladiator. R.J.Mitchell saw this as an opportunity, WATCH • 02:50
Height 9ft 10in (3.02 metres) (Mk1 + 2)
and, learning from his previous designs, came up with a new design 11ft 5in (3.48 metres) (Mk5 +6)
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based on the Supermarine Type 224. Mitchell, eager to see this aircraft 12ft 8in (3.86 metres) (Mk8-12)
 12ft 9in (3.89 metres) (Mk14)
enter service, was dissappointed as the Air Ministry declined his design.
Royal Air Force Wiki EXPLORE WIKI CONTENT COMMUNITY 13ft 6in (4.11 metres) (Mk24)

FANDOM Mitchell, however, did not give up. Making several changes, such as an
Empty Weight Mk1-8: 1953-2354 kg
enclosed cockpit and sleeker wings, he submitted a design featuring the Mk9-24: 2309-3247 kg
new Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The owner of Supermarine, Vickers-
Loaded Weight Mk1-8: 2692-3624 kg
Armstrongs, saw potential in his design, and helped Mitchell into the late Mk9-24: 3354-4490 kg

design stage of the aircraft. It wasn't long before the Air Ministry took Max Takeo� Weight 2911 kg
(Mk5)
GAMES notice, and on the 1st December 1934, contract AM 361140/34 was
issued, which gave Mitchell £10,000 to see the aircraft through to the Engine Rolls-Royce Merlin (Mk1-9)
Rolls-Royce Gri�on (Mk12-24)
production stage. This was to become speci�cation F10/35, which was
Power/Thrust 2000 hp (Merlin 66)
ANIME the groundwork of the Spit�re.[3 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermari 2035 hp (Gri�on 65)
ne_Spit�re#Design_and_development)]
Range Combat Range:
Mk1-8: 405-470 mi
MOVIES
The �rst prototype, K5054, �rst �ew on the 5th March 1936. Captain Mk9-24: 390-493 mi

Joseph Summers, who piloted the aircraft, described it (along with Ferry Range:
Mk5: 1135 mi
several other test pilots) as a competent machine, but perhaps not as
TV Mk9-24: 791-980 mi
good as it could be. Several fallacies included a fairly slow speed (just
330 mph), which was little more than the Hurricane was capable of, and
Service Ceiling 43,000 ft (13,560 m)
its controls were prone to exaggerating slight movements, making the
VIDEO Rate of Climb Mk1-8: 1350-4660 ft/min
aircraft unstable.[3] (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWspit�re.
Mk9-24: 3760-4745 ft/min
htm) However, its climb rate of 2500 ft per minute was good for the
Armament Carried Guns: 8/4/2x 0.303" Browning
time, and with a more streamlined propeller �tted, the Spit�re reached (Major weapons machine guns or/with
WIKIS
speeds of nearly 350 mph. throughout production)
4/2x 20mm Hispano II cannon
Bombs: 2x 250 lb bombs or

The Spit�re was �rst shown to the public on the 27th June 1936, but 1x 500 lb bomb
START A
WIKI because of delays the �rst production variant was not made until
1938.[5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re#Design_and Comparable Aircraft Bell P-39 Airacobra
Curtiss P-40
_development)]
Dewoitine D.520 (http://en.wikip
edia.org/wiki/Dewoitine_D.520)

Operational History in the RAF Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (http://en.wi

kipedia.org/wiki/Focke_Wulf_F
w_190)

Pre War Hawker Hurricane

Hawker Tempest
The �rst Spit�res were delivered to No.19 Squadron at Duxford on the Kawasaki Ki-61 (http://en.wikipe

4th August 1938.[6 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re# dia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ki-61)

Messerschmitt Bf 109 (http://en.
Operational_history)] This was only a few months after the �rst Hawker
wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmi
Hurricanes had been delivered, and they were a welcomed replacement
tt_Bf_109)
for the aged Gloster Gauntlet, which the squadron had previously been N.A. P-51 Mustang
operating. K9789 was the �rst aircraft delivered [4] (http://www.deltawe Supermarine Sea�re (http://en.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine WATCH • 02:50
b.co.uk/spit�re/into_svc.htm), and it wasn't long before No.66
_Sea�re) Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer
Squadron, which also operated from Duxford, too received their �rst
Yakovlev Yak-9 (http://en.wikipe Follow on IG TikTok Join Fan Lab
aircraft, K9802.
dia.org/wiki/Yakovlev_Yak-9)
 dia.org/wiki/Yakovlev_Yak-9)
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At the end of 1938, the RAF still only had two fully-equipped Spit�re
Designer R. J. Mitchell
FANDOM squadrons, prompting a boost in production in anticipation of war with
Germany, and although the Castle Bromwich factory was supposed to soon start its Spit�re production, delays meant it
would not do so until June 1940.[8 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re#Castle_Bromwich)] However, by the
declaration of war on the 3rd September 1939, nine squadrons had been equipped with Spit�res, including those at
Hornchurch and Church Fenton. By this stage, 306 Mk1 Spit�res had been produced, the �rst of many.
GAMES

Pilots soon noted a few �aws with the �rst Spit�res - the two-blade propellers could not be adjusted for takeo� and
cruising, and the shape of the cockpit did not allow for much headroom. These were soon recti�ed on future aircraft, and
ANIME
the pre existing examples were modi�ed to suit. Upgrades like bullet resistant windscreens and thicker armour were also
soon �tted in the aim of improving the aircrafts battle hardiness. Originally, the guns consisted of 8 .303 Browning machine
guns, but later the �rst Hispano cannons were �tted to L1007.
MOVIES

The Air Ministry, unimpressed with delay after delay, was considering cancelling the aircraft in favour of using the would-be
vacant production space to produce aircraft like the Hurricane and Beau�ghter. However, the Air Ministry were convinced to
TV
stay with the type, and approximately 2000 orders were placed to Supermarine for the aircraft.[5] (http://www.deltaweb.co.
uk/spit�re/into_svc.htm)

VIDEO
1939: The Phoney War
On the outbreak of war, it wasn't long before the Spit�re saw its �rst action. On the 16th October, British warships came
WIKIS under attack in the Firth of Forth, Scotland by 9 Junkers Ju-88 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_Ju-88) bombers of
1/KG 30 squadron.[6] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/into_act.htm) 6 Spit�res intercepted the bombers, shooting down
2 and badly damaging one. Soon English Spit�res managed to shoot down a Heinkel He-111 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hei
START A
nkel_He-111) near Whitby.
WIKI

Flying O�cer 'Shorty' Longbotham soon suggested that the Spit�re also be employed in the reconnaissance role, and in
October 1939 two Mk1 Spit�res were converted for the role, with changes including 2 5-inch camera �xtures, the removal of
armament and the addition of a glossy paint �nish for camou�ague purposes. As 1939 wore on, the Spit�re saw more and
more combat experience over Britain, with only one example being sent to France before the German takeover.[7] (http://w
ww.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/into_act.htm)

During 1940, it became obvious that it would be necessary to conduct patrols over the English Channel, and on the 10th
May it was o�cially authorised. On the 23rd May, Spit�res and Bf 109s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bf-109) clashed for the
�rst time resulting in three Spit�res and four enemy aircraft being shot down. In the evacuation of Dunkirk and the Battle of
France a further 67 Spit�res were lost, highlighting to the RAF the need for revised formation tactics when �ghting the Bf
109s.

1941: The Battle of Britain WATCH • 02:50

As France fell, Britain responded with reconnaissance. Dozens of Spit�res, painted in pink for low altitudes, light blue for mid Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer
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altitudes and deep blue for high altitudes took up this work, trawling the French coastline to pick out German positions.
 However, their work was to be disrupted by the Battle of Britain which started on the 10th July 1940, and caused a rush in
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Spit�re production to keep up with demand to intercept German bomber aircraft. Fighting alongside the Hurricane, the
FANDOM Spit�re soon overshadowed its more common cousin and became idolised as the saviour of Britain. In the early stages,
issues with the Spit�res thinner wings meant that the guns were much less e�ective, making the Hurricane a much more
suitable aircraft in this respect, however Spit�res were employed more extensively against �ghter escorts where this was
not so much of an issue, whilst the less agile Hurricanes dealt with the bombers.[12 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermari
ne_Spit�re_operational_history#Battle_of_Britain)]
GAMES

The sheer number of Hurricanes meant that statistically Hurricanes shot down many more
aircraft than the Spit�res, although Spit�res had a higher kill/kill ratio. The early Spit�res,
ANIME �tted with Merlin engines, were capable of 1030 hp but as 100 octane fuel became available
emergency power, which boosted the output by 280 hp for 5 minutes, became an option for
the Spit�re pilots. Between 1st August and 31st October, 208 Spit�res were shot down in
A Spit�re MkII
MOVIES combat.[13 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re_operational_history#Battle_
of_Britain)]

TV Against the Bf 109, the Spit�re was more maneuverable, although the 109 was more stable when close to a stall. This meant
that in dives the 109 could rapidly change its airspeed and cause the Spit�re to overshoot. The 109 also carried 300 rounds
for each of its 8 machine guns, giving it the ability to �re for much longer, 16 seconds of sustained �re in total. However, the
VIDEO
Spit�re, unlike the 109, carried fuel drop tanks which dramatically increased its range, and whilst the 109 could only remain
in the air for an hour or so, the Spit�re could stay up for much longer.

WIKIS
1940-1942: Battle over France & Europe
As the war progressed, the RAF began sending sorties into French airspace for the �rst time since the fall of France,
START A consisting of a few Spit�res or Hurricanes, but soon, in an attempt to draw out German aircraft, heavily defended bomber
WIKI
squadrons were sent out. This was costly, and few German aircraft were actually shot down in the process, however the
RAF were now staking their claim to France once more.

By June, MkII Spit�res replaced all the MkIs, with the obsolete aircraft being used for training purposes. However, MkIIs were
also soon phased out with the newly developed MkV, which performed better at high altitude in an aim to combat the new
Bf 109s which the Germans had developed. The Germans were now unwilling to �ght air battles in the west unless the
conditions were balanced well in their favour, with the majority of German air forces being directed at the Russian front.
Due to this, the need for the replacement MkVI was less urgent, and the MkV stayed in production for a long time, producing
the most examples of any one type of Spit�re.

September saw the launch of the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focke-Wulf_Fw-190), a new German
�ghter which was far superior to the Mk5s which currently constituted the majority of the RAF Spit�res. The RAF was now
in urgent need of the MkVI, whose improved performance had a chance to counter the Fw-190. A long standing issue with
the Spit�re had been its tendency to cut out when a negative g dive took place, limiting its dog�ghting capacity. However, at
WATCH • 02:50
the end of the year, a new carburettor for the Merlin engine completely eradicated this problem, helping the Spit�re to
Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer
compete with the Fw-190.[8] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/into_fr.htm) Follow on IG TikTok Join Fan Lab
 Royal Air Force Wiki
With the mounting
EXPLORE lossesWIKI
(almost 200 pilots in
CONTENT June, July and August), Winston Churchill ordered that �ghter sweeps over
COMMUNITY

France be suspended during November.[9] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/into_fr.htm) At the start of 1942, several

FANDOM
Spit�res intercepted two German battlecruisers with a heavy �ghter escort in the form of Fw-190s. Whilst neither ship was
sunk, several Fw-190s engaged in combat with the Spit�res, giving the RAF a chance to gauge their opponents aircraft.

Over the next few months, many MkV Spit�re pilots were put to the test against the Fw-190, and it soon became clear that
the Fw-190s powerful engine and good roll rate gave it the edge in combat, as 59 MkV Spit�res were lost in April 1942 alone.
GAMES
The MkVI soon came into operation, phasing out the MkVs and helping to bridge the gap between the MkV and the Fw-190,
being specialised in high altitude operations.[10] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/�te_cnt.htm) Furthermore, the MkIX
was also debuted, as a stop-gap defence against the Fw-190 until a purpose-built variant, titled the VIII, could be designed.
ANIME
However, the MkIX turned out to be a great success, and 5665 were built.

Sheer luck meant that in June a German Fw-190 landed at Pembrey by mistake. The RAF leaped on this opportunity, and
MOVIES
after extensive testing found it to be far superior to the MkV Spit�re in all but tight turns. Awaiting the MkIX, many MkVs still
in service subsequently had their wings 'clipped' by 4ft 4 inches, which improved their maneuverability substantially. The
supercharger was also updated to compete with that in the Fw-190.
TV

No.64 Squadron recieved the �rst MkIXs in July, and against the Fw-190 it was shown to
be as good, if not better. Soon more and more MkIXs were put into service, countering the
VIDEO
Luftwa�e's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftwa�e) new strategy of mounting hit and run
attacks on RAF formations. The seaborne invasion of Dieppe also gave RAF crews

WIKIS
valuable lessons in landing operations, as 88 out of the 106 allied �ghters pressed into
action in the invasion were �ghters, mostly Spit�res.
A MkIX Spit�re

START A 1942: North Africa

WIKI

After spending years woefully under supplied, the North Africa campaign saw its �rst Spit�res in the form of 15 modi�ed
MkVs which left HMS Eagle bound for Malta. More and more aircraft arrived, and by August all air support on Malta was
Spit�re-based. MkVs at Gibraltar were modi�ed further, being lightened and having extra fuel tanks �tted to make the 1100
mile trip from Gibraltar to Malta, and October saw the �rst of many of these �ights, resupplying the Malta air defence force.
In operations over Sicily, Malta's Spit�res were �tted with 250kg bombs, unheard of beforehand, and they operated
successfully in the �ghter bomber role.

No.145 Squadron was the �rst desert squadron to recieve Spit�res, and it did so in April. Many of these aircraft were also
modi�ed, with the standard guns being replaced with two 0.5mm machine guns and having engine tweaks for better
performance at high altitude. These aircraft were then used, among other roles, to shoot down reconaissance aircraft at
around 50,000 ft.

The Sea�re (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Sea�re), the naval variant of the Spit�re, also saw service in North
Africa, shooting down aircraft over Morocco and Algeria. However, the Fw-190s also arrived in North Africa by November, so WATCH • 02:50
to counter these the RAF supplied Spit�res to supplement No.145 Squadron. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer
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1943: Encroaching on the Fatherland

 1943: Encroaching on the Fatherland
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By 1943, the majority of Spit�res in Europe had been upgraded to MkIXs, which were now utilised in the escort bomber role
FANDOM and in �ghter sweeps. In aid of the United States bombing e�orts over Germany, Spit�res were provided as escort aircraft at
the beginning and end of the missions, helping to protect the vulnerable bombers from enemy Me 109s and Fw-190s. Early
1943 also saw the introduction of the Gri�on-engined Spit�re - for years now the Merlin engine had been the mainstay of
the aircraft but advances in technology called for a more powerful, better performing engine and the Gri�on provided this.
Just 100 MkXII were built, but their Gri�on engine proved e�ective against German Fw-190s in almost all circumstances.
GAMES

Almost anticipating the MkXII's success at low altitudes, very few German �ghters were willing to be drawn into combat, so
the plane itself had little combat success, however, it paved the way for later variants.[11] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�r
ANIME
e/tide_trn.htm) The now obsolete Spit�re MkIIs were employed in Air Sea Rescue missions, equipped with a drop pack
including a dinghy and various supplies. The idea was that the Spit�re would provide cover and defend itself until a larger
Walrus rescue aircraft could land on the water and pick up the stranded air crew.
MOVIES

May saw many Spit�res being sent to Russia - 143 MkVs were sent to the country, and
later in the war 1200 MkIXs would follow. Portugal and Turkey also recieved MkVs, and the
TV
US continued to operate many of the aircraft.

By May the MkVII �nally started coming into service, however its performance proved no
VIDEO
better than current MkIXs and MkXIIs, and so few squadrons were equipped with it.[12] (ht
Many Spit�res were used by other
tp://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/tide_trn.htm) Spit�res over the English Channel now
countries, notably the Soviet
engaged in stra�ng runs of enemy air�elds over France, however this proved costly and Union
WIKIS
unsuccessful, so it did not last for long. Japan's entry into the war in 1942 prompted the
�tting of �oats to Spit�res to make them into seaplane �ghters. Four of these were sent to Egypt but the German

START A
occupation of Dodecanese halted their possible success.
WIKI

The invasion of Sicily saw both Spit�res and Sea�res being pressed into service, and the operation was a success. In North
Africa, as the campaign entered its closing stages, Spit�res were used to in�ict damage on the Luftwa�e's transport �eet
with great success. Spit�res here engaged and destroyed enemy Me 109s and Ju-52s. Landings on Italy were also helped
by Spit�re support, most notably in the �ghter bomber role.

The 'Noball' operations in Europe against V-1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-1_�ying_bomb) launch sites were a chance for
the Spit�re to escort Hurricanes in an attempt to neutralise the enemy V-1 threat, resulting in the destruction of several
launch sites. In addition, No.607 Squadron, No.615 Squadron and No.136 Squadron were all based in Darwin, Australia with
Spit�re MkVs to counter Japanese air raids in or around the surrounding area.[13] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/tide_
trn.htm) When compared to the Zero, the Spit�re was faster but the lighter Zero had the edge in maneuverability, so tight
turning dog�ghts were not advised.

September 1943 saw an in�ux of Spit�res into the Far East as more became available, providing RAF air power in the area
with a major boost in the �ght against the Japanese. These planes had a good success rate against Japanese bomber and WATCH • 02:50

reconnaissance aircraft. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer

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 1944: Retaliation
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CONTENT COMMUNITY

At the beginning of the year, the latest Spit�re variant, the MkXIV, entered service with No.610 Squadron in preparation for
FANDOM
the landings at Normandy. Considered superior to the Me 109 and Fw-190, the MkXIV enjoyed astounding success in the
year to come. D-Day was another oppurtunity for the MkXIV and previous marks to perform in battle - 55 squadrons of
Spit�re �ghters took part in the event. Several more were used for aerial reconnaissance and general spotting duties, and
everything from the now ageing MkV to the MkXIV was used.

GAMES
In fact, a large proportion of this air power was wasted as very few German aircraft intercepted the landing operations, and
the operation went unhitched, resulting in the capturing of Normandy and the placing of several Spit�re squadrons in the
area, the �rst of which, No.222 Squadron, �ew Spit�re MkIXs and landed on the 10th June. The retreating German army, who
ANIME
now occupied the Falaise gap, were bombarded with Hawker Typhoon and Spit�re squadrons who �red bombs, rockets and
bullets at the soldiers and artillery.

MOVIES
The 12th June saw the start of the V-1 rocket attacks on England. In total, 11 squadrons
were called up, consisting of mainly Spit�res, but also Tempest Vs who were fast enough
to catch the V-1s in level �ight, whereas the Spit�res relied on intercepting them. MkXIIs
TV
and XIVs were lightened and polished to improve their speed, and soon made great
bounds in destroying incoming V-1s.[14] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/rtn_frnc.ht

VIDEO
m)

In the drive to Rhine, many Spit�res occupied the role of �ghter bomber, taking out

WIKIS speci�c targets. Spit�res of No.401 Squadron were credited with killing the �rst Me 262 (ht
tp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me262) jet �ghter. At the end of the year, on the 23rd A Spit�re duelling with a V-1 �ying
December, Spit�res escorted medium bombers in an e�ort to qualm the German o�ensive bomb

START A through the Ardennes.

WIKI

1945: Road to Berlin

The year got o� to a bad start, with the Luftwa�e employing roughly 800 aircraft against Allied air�elds in a �nal attempt to
halt their success. No.302 Squadron, No.308 Squadron and No.317 Squadron su�ered heavy aircraft losses, losing about 20
Spit�res, most of whom were lost from forced landings, but several were lost in combat. Canadian squadrons also su�ered
losses, including the loss of six pilots in combat.[15] (http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/spit�re/victory.htm)

Spit�res managed to down 56 aircraft, mainly Bf 109s and Fw-190s, but in total 200 Allied aircraft were lost, mostly on the
ground. Mk21s were now entering service, with No.91 Squadron recieving several in January, however the end of the war
would mean only 120 would be built. These aircraft claimed several early kills, including a midget submarine (http://en.wikipe
dia.org/wiki/Midget_submarine) which they strafed as it surfaced. Many Spit�res were now employed in escort roles to
Lancaster and Halifax bombers in daylight raids on German towns, cities, and military sites. Other Spit�res were employed in
the dive bomber role with up to 500lb bombs, or as �ghter bombers armed with rockets against ground installations.
WATCH • 02:50

The war in the East also raged on, with 21 Spit�re squadrons participating, nine of whom were part of the Indian Air Force. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Interactive Trailer
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These aircraft were mostly MkVIIIs, and several Sea�res aboard HMS Indefatigable performed successful attacks on
 Japanese forces. The end of the war soon came, and Spit�res were dramatically cut back, however they would continue to
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serve for several more years.

FANDOM
Post War
After World War II, Spit�res continued to operate as part of the RAF and other air forces
worldwide, and Spit�res continued to be produced on a much cut back production
schedule. The end of 1946 saw only two home front-line squadrons operating Spit�res,
GAMES
mainly Mk21s and MkXVIs. The Auxiliary Air Force continued to operate many Spit�res,
and at its peak 13 of its squadrons were equipped with Spit�res.

ANIME The �nal Spit�re variant, the Mk24

1947 saw six Spit�res �y to Hong Kong with the intention of reinforcing the colony. No.28
Squadron and No.80 Squadron both moved to Hong Kong to protect against the Chinese,
but by 1951 these squadrons had given up their Spit�res for more modern jet �ghters. The Malayan Emergency in May 1948
MOVIES
promted No.28 Squadron and No.60 Squadron to both enter action with a mixture of Mk18s and Mk19s. They participated by
destroying several terrorist camps and in February 1949 Spit�res, equipped with 20lb fragmentation bombs, worked in
conjunction with Beau�ghters to kill approx. 9 terrorists. Further attacks also resulted in terrorist deaths, proving the
TV
Spit�res e�ectiveness.

Air reconnaissance missions continued to be operated by Spit�res, mostly Mk18s and Mk19s. Later on in 1951, the last ever
VIDEO
o�ensive sorties �own by Spit�res occured on the 1st January, and the last reconnaissance mission was �own on 1st April
1954. Spit�res did not participate in the Korean war, and the last RAF use of a Spit�re was in 1957 when they were used with
the Temperature and Humidity Flight before being replaced.
WIKIS

The Spit�res operational career spanned 10 years, and it continued to operate for long after that.
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WIKI

Flight Characteristics
Due to the Spit�res relative success, there are many accounts of its �ight characteristics, many of which contradict each
other. Generally, comments were positive, however the main criticisms were of the aircrafts poor visibility on the ground.

Douglas Bader, a member of No.222 Squadron, commented on the Spit�res handling in 1940: "The Spit�re looked good and
was good. But my �rst reaction was that it was bad for handling on the ground..." He went on to say: "The view at take-o�
was restricted in the same way until you were travelling fast enough to lift the tail; only then could you see over the nose."
Indeed, it was not until later marks that the issue of visibility from the ground was addressed.

However, once in the air, Bader enjoyed the aircraft's characteristics: "The controls were light, positive and synchronized; in
fact, the aeroplane of one's dreams. It was stable; it �ew hands and feet o�; yet you could move it quickly and e�ortlessly
into any attitude. You brought it in to land at 75 mph and touched down at 60-65 mph. Its maximum speed was 367 mph.
You thus had a wide speed range which has not been equalled before or since."[16] (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/
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Richard Hillary, a member of No.603 Squadron, also commented on the Spit�re, mainly on its handling: "With one or two very
 Richard Hillary, a member of No.603 Squadron, also commented on the Spit�re, mainly on its handling: "With one or two very
sharp movements
Royal Air Force Wiki EXPLOREon theWIKI
stickCONTENT
I blacked myself out for a few seconds, but the machine was sweeter to handle than any
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other that I had �own. I put it through every manoeuvre that I knew of and it responded beautifully. I ended with two �ick
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rolls and turned back for home. I was �lled with a sudden exhilarating con�dence. I could �y a Spit�re; in any position I was
its master. It remained to be seen whether I could �ght in one."

Alan Deere, a member of both No.602 Squadron and No.403 Squadron (later in the war), commented on the Spit�re's merits
when compared with the Me 109 and Hurricane: " In fact, the Hurricane, though vastly more manoeuvrable than either the
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Spit�re or the Me 109, was so sadly lacking in speed and rate of climb, that its too-short combat experience against the 109
was not a valid yardstick for comparison. The Spit�re, however, possessed these two attributes to such a degree that,
coupled with a better rate of turn than the Me 109, it had the edge overall in combat."
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Variants
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There were many variants of the Spit�re over the years, below is the majority, if not all, of the variants produced.

Prototypes:
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• K5054 (Type 300) - The �rst prototype of the Spit�re. First �ying on the 5th March
1936,[2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_powered
VIDEO
_variants))2] construction of K5054 started in December 1934. Being used for initial
testing, K5054 �ew many times with various test pilots and paved the way for the

WIKIS
MkI. The plane was to �y in various paint schemes until the 4th September 1939,
when a misjudged landing resulted in a crash which eventually led to the death of
the pilot due to neck injuries. Parts of the prototype were then used to test camera The 9th production Spit�re ever
made, K9795
START A mountings for early reconnaissance Spit�res.[23 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super
WIKI
marine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_powered_variants)#Prototype_K5054_.28Superm
arine_Type_300.29)]
• Speed Spit�re (Type 323) - A Spit�re designed to beat the world landplane speed record. Funded by the Air Ministry,
this design was stripped of all armament and generally lightened and streamlined. The Merlin II engine was specially
fuelled to give extra power, allowing it to generate 2100 hp for small amounts of time. The propeller was also changed,
and the wingspan was reduced whilst the wingtips were rounded. Its �rst �ight was on 11th November 1938, and by
February 1939 it managed 408 mph. When German aircraft again upped the speed record, the project was scrapped as
the prototype would need even more modi�cations to reach the required speed. The aircraft was scrapped in June
1946.[2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_powered_variants)#Speed_Spit�re_.28Ty
pe_323.29)4]
• N3297 (Type 348) - A modi�ed MkIII Spit�re �tted with a prototype Merlin 60 engine, basically the startings of the
MkIX.

Production variants for the RAF:

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• MkI (Type 300) (1567 built in total) - As the �rst production variant, the �rst MkI was delivered in July 1938, after
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numerous delays relating to the production of the aircraft. Powered by the Merlin MkII engine producing 1030 hp, it
 numerous delays relating to the production of the aircraft. Powered by the Merlin MkII engine producing 1030 hp, it

Royal Air Force Wiki continued to �y wellWIKI

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the early war. COMMUNITY

• MkIa - A type of MkI �tted with 8 Browning machine guns.

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• MkIB - A type of MkI �tted with 2 Hispano cannons.
• MkI PR Type A - The �rst reconnaissance Spit�res, the PR Type As carried two F.24 cameras and heating
equipment was �tted to stop the cameras freezing over. They were capable of 390 mph.[2 (http://en.wikipedia.or
g/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_powered_variants)#PR_Mk_I_Types_-_Early_Reconnaissance_V
ersions)5]
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• MkI PR Type B (Medium Range (MR)) - A reconnaissance variant with upgraded 8 inch cameras and an extra
fuel tank. Most were �tted with the Merlin XII engine.
• MkI PR Type C/PR MkIII (Long Range (LR)) - A reconnaissance variant with 655 litres of fuel, able to reach as
ANIME
far as Kiel. An extra fuel tank and larger oil tank were both �tted.
• MkI PR Type D/PR MkIV (Extra Super Long Range) - A totally redesigned reconnaissance variant, carrying

MOVIES
extra fuel in its wings. It also carried two 8 inch F.24 cameras., or two 20 inch F.8 cameras.
• MkI PR Type E/PR MkV - Just a single example of this reconnaissance variant was ever built, specialising in
oblique close up photography. Its cameras were positioned accordingly, facing forwards, being splayed out

TV slightly and angled down slightly.

• MkI PR Type F/PR MkVI - Whilst waiting for the Type D, the Type F served as a stop gap, carrying several
external fuel tanks and a 29 gal tank in the rear fuselage. Many Type Bs and Cs were converted to this variant,
VIDEO and it was often used to photograph Berlin.
• MkI PR Type G/PR MkVII - Similar in role to the Type E, the Type G could not only photograph oblique close ups,
but also standard aerial photographs with two vertically mounted cameras, and many operated with Merlin 45
WIKIS engines.

• MkII (Type 329) (921 built in total) - Fitted with a 1175 hp Merlin XII engine, the
START A MkII had an increased top speed (by 7 mph) over the late MkI, and had a better climb
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rate. It entered service in late 1939/early 1940.[2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super
marine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_powered_variants)#Mk_II_.28Type_329.29)6]

• MkIIA - A type of MkII �tted with 8 Browning machine guns.

A prototype MkIII, N3297, �tted
• MkIIB - A type of MkII �tted with 2 Hispano cannons.
with a Merlin 60 engine
• MkIIC (Type 375)/A.S.R. MkII - Many old MkIIs were converted into MkIICs or
A.S.R. MkIIs, specialised Air Sea Rescue variants which used the Merlin XX engine and several modi�cations were
made, including the �tting of a rescue pack in the �are chute and smoke marker bombs.
• MkII 'Long Range' - Specialised MkIIs �tted with a 40gal fuel tank and used for bomber escort duties.

• MkIII (Type 330) - An improvement on the basic Spit�re design, the MkIII was powered by the Merlin XX engine,
developing 1390 hp. The wingspan and wing area was reduced, and ground stability was improved. The MkIII �rst �ew
on the 16th March 1940, and was �tted with a fully retractable tailwheel. Capable of 400 mph, the MkIII soon fell out of
favour with the development of the new MkV.[2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spit�re_(early_Merlin_po
wered_variants)#Mk_III_.28Type_330.29)7]
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• MkV (Type 331, 349 & 352) (6,479 built in total) - Acting as a stop gap until the MkVI could be made, the MkV found
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success and was the most produced variant of the Spit�re. Based heavily on the MkI, it was �tted with the Merlin 45 Follow on IG TikTok Join Fan Lab
engine, producing 1440 hp.
 engine, producing 1440 hp.
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• MkVA - A type of MkV �tted with 8 Browning machine guns. 94 were built.
• MkVB - Much more successful than the MkVA, the B was �tted with Hispano cannons and di�erent exhaust
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stacks. A bigger oil cooler was also �tted.
• MkVB Trop (Type 352) - A variant of the MkVB with a Vokes air �lter, reducing performance substantially, but
necessitated by desert conditions. A desert survival pack and camou�age paint scheme were also applied.
• MkVC (Type 349) - This updated MkV variant featured a strengthened fuselage and new windscreen design. A

GAMES new undercarriage and wing design also featured, and a larger oil cooler became standard issue. To improve the
variants survivability, more armour plating was applied.
• MkVC Trop (Type 352/6) - Similarly modi�ed to the VB Trop, the VC Trop also had a Vokes air �lter and featured
ANIME many other features which specialised it for desert operations.
• PR MkXIII (Type 367) - An improvement over the PR Type G reconnaissance aircraft, the MkXIII featured the
Merlin 32 engine, which was specialised for low altitude �ying. Carrying 4 Browning machine guns, it was also
MOVIES capable of defending itself during operations.

• MkVI (Type 350) (100 built in total) - Built to replace the MkV, the MkVI was specialised in high altitude warfare

TV against enemy bombers, and featured improved cabin pressurisation, and the Merlin 47 engine, making the aircraft
capable of 356 mph. However, the high altitude enemy threat never really appeared, meaning that only 100 were ever
built.
VIDEO • MkVII (Type 351) (140 built in total) - As with the MkVI, the MkVII was a high altitude variant, but was powered
instead by a Merlin 64 or 71 engine, with two speed superchargers.
• MkVIII (Type 360) (1,658 built in total) - Similar to the MkVII, the MkVIII lacked the pressurised cabin, and at �rst was
WIKIS supposed to become the main variant of the Spit�re. However, the MkIX proved exceptional and as such production of
the MkVIII was cut back. However, it still remains one of the most numerous Spit�re marks built, and served heavily
overseas and with the USAAF.
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• MkIX (Type 361) (5,656 built in total) - Built to rival the Fw-190, the MkIX featured the two-stage Merlin 61 engine,
and many early models were modi�ed MkVCs. Lacking aerodynamic improvements, the MkIX still did well against the
Fw-190 until a more specialised variant could come into play.

• MkIXB - A version of the MkIX with a Merlin 66 engine, producing 1720 hp.
• H.F IX - A MkIX variant which utilised the high altitude Merlin 70 engine, which entered service in early 1944.

Legacy
Detail information on surviving examples, recognition by RAF pilots, etc.

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