Seafires XVII SX122 SX159 SX125 831 Sqn 1947
The F.XVII model of the Seafire featured a reinforced main undercarriage with oleos of longer stroke, which mitigated the problem of the Mk XV’s propeller striking the deck during arrested landings. With increased clearance between the propeller and the deck, the F.XVII was less prone to bouncing over the arrestor wires and into the crash barrier upon landing. The gear’s lower rebound ratio also contributed to this improvement. The prototype of the F.XVII was formerly the Mk XV NS493, and a total of 233 F.XVIIs were produced. Westland built 213 of these aircraft, while Cunliffe-Owen produced 20 (as part of an earlier Mk XV order). The first production F.XVII, SW986, was unveiled in April 1945.