Spitfire V W3760 with floats
The idea of converting Spitfires (and Hawker Hurricanes) into floatplanes emerged in April 1940 during the Norwegian campaign, where the RAF faced challenges due to a lack of airfields. The goal was to enable aircraft operations from sheltered waters when land airfields were unavailable.
The first conversion involved Spitfire I R6722, which was fitted with a pair of Blackburn Roc floats. Although the tank tests were successful, the need for land-based Spitfires became more urgent after the Norwegian campaign, and the floatplane project was shelved. R6722 never flew with floats and was reverted to its original configuration.
The concept was revisited in early 1942 after Japan entered the war and effectively used floatplane fighters in the Pacific. As a result, three Spitfire V models were converted to floatplanes with new floats designed by Supermarine’s Arthur Shirvall and built by Folland Aircraft. These floats were 25 feet 7 inches long and mounted on cantilever struts.
Following initial flight tests, additional modifications included extending the leading edge of the fin to increase its area and adding a ventral fin extension below the rear fuselage. A four-bladed propeller was installed, and the first conversion (W3760) originally had a Vokes tropical filter. W3760 first flew in September 1942, showing good air and water handling characteristics and satisfactory performance. Initially unarmed, the aircraft was later equipped with armament.
Two other Mk.V floatplanes (EP751 and EP754) were converted by Folland in 1943. Plans initially called for the production of ten more. The three Mk.V floatplanes were shipped to Alexandria in October 1943 to target Luftwaffe Ju 52 transports flying between Greece and Crete, but they were sent back before any operations due to the deteriorating Allied situation in the region.
There were also plans for Folland to produce Spitfire IX floatplane conversions for the Pacific. A prototype (Mk.IXB MJ892) flew in May 1944, but the entire floatplane project was abandoned shortly afterward.