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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:24
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; 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.
In September 1942, the "High Altitude Flight" was set up at [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] to counter the threat of the high altitude [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] bombers.
Two Spitfire XIs converted from VCs were stripped of armour, the .303 Brownings and other equipment and repainted in a lightweight PRU blue finish. One of them successfully [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
In September 1942, the "High Altitude Flight" was set up at [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] to counter the threat of the high altitude [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] bombers.
Two Spitfire XIs converted from VCs were stripped of armour, the .303 Brownings and other equipment and repainted in a lightweight PRU blue finish. One of them successfully [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
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- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:29
The Merlin 61 was phased out early in 1943 in favour of the Merlin 63 and 63A.
The new engine had increased power resulting from engine improvements and engine limitations of +18 lbs./sq.in and 3,000 rpm (5 minute combat).
During the second half of 1943, production of the Merlin 63 powered F. Mark IX was discontinued in favour of the Merlin 66 powered L.F. Mark IX.
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
Production of the L.F. 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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] Wing, comprised at the time of 611 and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] Squadrons.
This type was by far the most produced of the Spitfire IX variants, with over 4000 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).
The Merlin 66 introduced a new Bendix-Stromberg injection carburettor, which replaced the earlier S.U float carburettor.
The new engine had increased power resulting from engine improvements and engine limitations of +18 lbs./sq.in and 3,000 rpm (5 minute combat).
During the second half of 1943, production of the Merlin 63 powered F. Mark IX was discontinued in favour of the Merlin 66 powered L.F. Mark IX.
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
Production of the L.F. 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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] Wing, comprised at the time of 611 and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] Squadrons.
This type was by far the most produced of the Spitfire IX variants, with over 4000 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).
The Merlin 66 introduced a new Bendix-Stromberg injection carburettor, which replaced the earlier S.U float carburettor.
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- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:33
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 H.F Mk IX was produced in relatively limited numbers when they were required, with priority being given to versions rated for low and medium altitudes .
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 H.F.IX was 405 mph (652 km/h) at 25,400 feet (7,700 m) at an all-up weight of 7,320 lbs (3,320 kg).
Also introduced in early 1944 was a new Mark II [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
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.
As an alternative a cylindrical 50 gal drop tank, adapted from those carried by long range [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], could be carried on the fuselage bomb rack used on most Mk IXs of the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
Serial listings show that the H.F Mk IX was produced in relatively limited numbers when they were required, with priority being given to versions rated for low and medium altitudes .
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 H.F.IX was 405 mph (652 km/h) at 25,400 feet (7,700 m) at an all-up weight of 7,320 lbs (3,320 kg).
Also introduced in early 1944 was a new Mark II [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
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.
As an alternative a cylindrical 50 gal drop tank, adapted from those carried by long range [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], could be carried on the fuselage bomb rack used on most Mk IXs of the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:37
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], 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 gal while the rear fuel tanks
were decreased to a capacity of 66 gal.
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], both in South Africa and in deployment in Korea during the 1950s.
During early 1945, some Spitfire IXEs and XVIEs of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] were fitted with a single [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] rocket under each wing.
This was believed to be the only RAF Spitfire unit to use rockets operationally during the Second World War.
The cut-down rear fuselage and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], 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 gal while the rear fuel tanks
were decreased to a capacity of 66 gal.
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], both in South Africa and in deployment in Korea during the 1950s.
During early 1945, some Spitfire IXEs and XVIEs of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] were fitted with a single [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] rocket under each wing.
This was believed to be the only RAF Spitfire unit to use rockets operationally during the Second World War.
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- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:43
PR Mk IX (type 374) and FR Mk IX
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 by to carry two vertical cameras in the rear fuselage.
The first of these was delivered to [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] at [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] on 30 November 1942. Subsequently another 15 Mk IXs were converted to PR Mk IXs (factory designation type 374) at the Vickers-Armstrong [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] 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 IX relied on drop tanks for extra range.
The most famous PR Mk IX missions involved carrying out reconnaissance missions in preparation for [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] attacks on the Ruhr dams.
A PR Mk IX photographed the dams the day before the operation and photographed the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] after the
operation.
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.
[Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], which was a unit of the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], used several FR Mk IXs (painted a pale, "Camoutint" Pink, which provided excellent camouflage under cloud cover) to photograph the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] area before and during [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
Another unit using FR Mk IXs was [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] based in the Mediterranean.
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 by to carry two vertical cameras in the rear fuselage.
The first of these was delivered to [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] at [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] on 30 November 1942. Subsequently another 15 Mk IXs were converted to PR Mk IXs (factory designation type 374) at the Vickers-Armstrong [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] 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 IX relied on drop tanks for extra range.
The most famous PR Mk IX missions involved carrying out reconnaissance missions in preparation for [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] attacks on the Ruhr dams.
A PR Mk IX photographed the dams the day before the operation and photographed the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] after the
operation.
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.
[Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], which was a unit of the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], used several FR Mk IXs (painted a pale, "Camoutint" Pink, which provided excellent camouflage under cloud cover) to photograph the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] area before and during [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
Another unit using FR Mk IXs was [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] based in the Mediterranean.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:49
Mk T. IX and TR. 9 (type 509)
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 program.
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.
The Mk IX was the second most numerous variant of Spitfires produced.
In total, 5656 were built, 561 by Supermarine and 5,095 by Castle Bromwich.
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 program.
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.
The Mk IX was the second most numerous variant of Spitfires produced.
In total, 5656 were built, 561 by Supermarine and 5,095 by Castle Bromwich.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:52
PR Mk X and PR Mk XI (types 387, 365 and 370)
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.
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.
Sixteen Mk Xs were built during April and May 1944, with the first mission being flown on 11 May.
All saw limited service in [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] in a high altitude reconnaissance role.
Experience with this version led to the development and production of the pressurised version of the PR Mk XIX.
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.
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.
Sixteen Mk Xs were built during April and May 1944, with the first mission being flown on 11 May.
All saw limited service in [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] and [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] in a high altitude reconnaissance role.
Experience with this version led to the development and production of the pressurised version of the PR Mk XIX.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:54
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.
Several other configurations could be fitted, depending on mission requirements; 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.
PR Mk XIs used for tactical reconnaissance had an additional, vertically oriented camera in a fairing under each wing.
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.
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" [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] equipment.
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.
Several other configurations could be fitted, depending on mission requirements; 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.
PR Mk XIs used for tactical reconnaissance had an additional, vertically oriented camera in a fairing under each wing.
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.
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" [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] equipment.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 20:59
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.
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.
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.
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
[Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], head of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
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.
[Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], head of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] 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.
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.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 21:01
PR Mk XIII
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)
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)
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 21:04
Mk XVI (type 361)
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] by the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
The "2" was added as a suffix 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 Spitifres), 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.
Many XVIs featured cut-down rear fuselages with "bubble" canopies.
On these aircraft the rear fuselage tank capacity was limited to 66 gal.
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.
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 [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] by the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].
The "2" was added as a suffix 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 Spitifres), 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.
Many XVIs featured cut-down rear fuselages with "bubble" canopies.
On these aircraft the rear fuselage tank capacity was limited to 66 gal.
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.
Alun_D- CLUB
- Messages : 2003
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
par Alun_D Mar 30 Mar 2010, 21:06
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.
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.
Alun_D- CLUB
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