![]() ![]() Compared to similar Merlin Spitfires the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally. However, the clipped wings can provide some significant disadvantages to flying, as well. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet below 1,500 m. The roll rate makes evasion a very easy task- rolling manoeuvres can easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in its BR range. ![]() These wings give the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The main distinguishing feature of the Mk XVI is its clipped wings. Low-altitude climb acceleration is fantastic, the climb rate is very good, and armament is extremely effective. The Mk XVI possesses all the characteristics of the LF Mk IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Virtually identical to the Spitfire LF Mk IX, aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German Focke-Wulfe 190 series. The Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. With a battle rating of 4.7 (AB) and 5.0 (RB/SB). ![]() Introduction of the Mk IXE (with 0.5in guns) and the installation of gyro gun sights increased the effectiveness of the aircraft in 1944.Īs the Spitfire XVI began to appear on the production lines in September 1944, most Mk IX’s that followed went to foreign Air Forces, particularly to Russia – 1,188 being shipped in the short period remaining up to the end of WW2.Īs the war ended the Spitfire IX was phased out of RAF service and became available for the many foreign air forces requiring new equipment, so as the Belgian, French, Israeli and Egyptian Air Forces.The Spitfire F Mk XVI is a rank IV British fighter Many were fighter- bomber versions, carrying one 500 lb (ca. The invasion of Italy followed, some units initially using a combination of Mk VC, VIII, and IX.įor operations in 1943 from Great Britain, preparatory to the invasion, the Spitfire VB has supplemented the Mk IX, but by D-Day nearly all the first-line Spitfire squadrons had the Mk IX. With the German and Italian defeat in North Africa, the Allies landed on Sicily in July and the Mk VIII began to arrive to supplement the increasing numbers of Spitfire IX. In the Mediterranean, 81 RAF squadron obtained the first, much-needed, Spitfire IX’s at the end of January 1943. Going into service with 64 squadron in July 1942 it averted the crisis in Fighter Command, but its introduction was rather slow until larger numbers became available in 1943. Therefore, the Spitfire IX was hurriedly introduced as ‘stop-gap’, using the Mk VC airframe with initially, the Merlin 61 and 63 engines. However, early in the year it was obvious that the threat of the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 for the Spitfire V could not wait for the Mk VIII. Incorporating many refinements, it had the best handling characteristics of all the Spitfires and also the highest speed, at altitude, of all the Merlin-engined fighter variants. This version was followed by the Supermarine Spitfire VIII (essentially a Mk VII without pressurization) which first flew towards the end of the year. ![]() However, the Mk VII overcame this problem with the new supercharged Merlin 60/70 series engine, and a few went into service in the autumn of this year. The high-altitude Spitfire VI entered service in April 1942 with 616 squadron, but it was never to be really successful, as the weight of its cockpit-pressurization equipment reduced its effective ceiling. The year 1942 saw the tide of battle begin to turn in favor of the Allies, and a contributing factor was the increased adaptability of the Spitfire. Specifications for Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXĪ Spitfire formation during a operation for preparing D-day. ![]()
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