World War Photos

Spitfire LF IXe of No. 442 Squadron RCAF 1944

The Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IXe was a low-level variant of the Mk IX series, specifically optimized for low-altitude combat and equipped with a more powerful engine for enhanced performance in that environment. This model was part of the later production runs, benefiting from various improvements and enhanced firepower compared to earlier Mk IX variants.

Specifications:

• Designation: LF Mk IXe
• Type No.: 361
• Type: Single-seat Low-level Fighter

Dimensions:

• Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
• Length:
  • Standard: 30 ft 6 in (9.3 m)
  • With broad chord rudder: 31 ft ½ in (9.46 m)
• Height: 11 ft 8 in (3.55 m) [Tip of Prop, Tail Up]

Performance:

• Engine:
  • Two-speed, two-stage 1,720 hp (1,282 kW) Merlin 66
• Maximum Speed: 404 mph (651 km/h) at 21,000 ft (6,391 m)
• Service Ceiling: 42,500 ft (12,935 m)
• Range: 434 miles (698 km)

Fuel Capacity:

• Fuselage tanks:
  • Upper: 48 Imp Gal (218 L)
  • Lower: 37 Imp Gal (168 L)
• Auxiliary tanks:
  • 30 (136 L), 45 (204 L), or 90 Imp Gal (409 L) auxiliary tanks could be fitted.
  • 170 Imp Gal (773 L) long-range ferry tank could also be carried.
  • An additional 29 Imp Gal (132 L) fuselage tank could be installed, but in this configuration, all armament would be removed. The maximum long-range fuel capacity was 284 Imp Gal (1,291 L).

Armament:

• Standard Armament:
  • Two 20 mm Hispano cannon (120 rounds per gun)
  • Two 0.5 in (12.7 mm) Browning machine guns (250 rounds per gun)
• Bomb Load:
  • Capacity to carry 1,000 lb (454 kg) of bombs, including a 500 lb (227 kg) bomb on the centerline and one 250 lb (113 kg) bomb under each wing.

Features:

• Cockpit: Unpressurized, equipped with internal bulletproof glass for pilot protection.
• Tailwheel: Fixed.
• Wing Type: Low-altitude Clipped (LF) wing configuration, optimized for improved roll rate and handling at lower altitudes.
• Propeller: Rotol four-blade, variable-pitch, constant-speed, Type R12/4F5/4 (Jablo or Hydrulignum) with a diameter of 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m).

Production:

• Total LF Mk IX Production: 4,010 units.