World War Photos

Spitfire IX BS428 Sep 1942

The introduction of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over Europe in 1941 highlighted the limitations of the Spitfire V in dogfighting scenarios. This necessitated a rapid development of an upgraded version of the Spitfire to regain air superiority. Fortunately, this coincided with Rolls-Royce’s advancements in their Merlin engines, particularly the development of the more powerful 60 series Merlins equipped with two-speed/two-stage superchargers.

Spitfire Mk.IX

• Development: The Spitfire Mk.IX was developed by fitting the new 60 series Merlins to a modified Mk.V airframe. This was initially an interim solution but proved to be highly successful.
• Production and Service: The Mk.IX entered service ahead of the more extensively redesigned Mk.VII and Mk.VIII. It became one of the most produced variants, flown by 90 RAF and Commonwealth squadrons.
• Engine: Equipped with the Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engine, the Mk.IX featured a four-bladed propeller and standard span wings.
• Models:
  • F.IX: Standard model for medium altitude operations.
  • LF.IX: Low altitude model, the most common due to increased ground attack missions.
  • HF.IX: High altitude model.
• Armament:
  • IXA: Eight machine guns.
  • IXB: Combination of cannon and machine guns.
  • IXC: Universal wing capable of various armament configurations.
  • IXE: Two cannon and two large calibre 0.50in machine guns.
• Modifications:
  • Clipped wings for improved low altitude performance.
  • Revised ‘pointed’ rudder for better control.
  • Cut-down rear fuselage and bubble canopy introduced in late production models (December 1944).
  • Increased internal fuel capacity with rear fuselage and wing tanks.

Spitfire Mk.XVI

• Development: The Mk.XVI was essentially a late model Mk.IX but powered by a US-built Packard Merlin 266 engine.
• Production and Service: Entered service in October 1944. All Mk.XVIs were LF.XVIs, designed for low to medium altitude operations.
• Engine: Packard Merlin 266, similar to the Merlin 61 in performance but produced in the USA.
• Armament and Features:
  • Most had clipped ‘E’ wings.
  • Bubble canopy for improved visibility.
• Prototype and Service Entry: The first Mk.XVI prototype flew in December 1943, converted from a Mk.IX. It entered squadron service in October 1944.

Operational Use

• Reconnaissance Versions: Some Spitfire Mk.IXs were converted to unarmed PR.IX (Photographic Reconnaissance) and armed FR.IX (Fighter Reconnaissance) models.
• Production End: Both Mk.IX and Mk.XVI remained in production until the end of the European war, with the last Merlin-powered Spitfire (an LF.XVIE) delivered in July 1945.

The Spitfire Mk.IX and Mk.XVI variants were crucial in maintaining air superiority and supporting ground operations during the latter part of World War II. Their adaptability, improved performance, and continued enhancements ensured they remained effective combat aircraft until the war’s end.