Spitfire VI AB200
The Spitfire Mk VI was designed to address the threat posed by high-altitude enemy aircraft, making it the first Spitfire variant to feature a pressurized cockpit. This allowed pilots to operate at greater heights where oxygen levels were lower. Essentially based on the Spitfire Mk V fuselage, the Mk VI was powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin 47 engine and equipped with a four-blade propeller.
One of the key characteristics of the Mk VI was its extended wing tips, which increased the wingspan from 36 feet 10 inches to 40 feet 2 inches. These longer wings were meant to provide extra lift at higher altitudes, where the air is thinner. However, this feature, along with the pressurized cockpit, did not fully meet expectations in operational performance.
Production of the Mk VI began in December 1941 and continued until October 1942, with 97 units built, although some records state 100. The aircraft was issued to eight squadrons, primarily based in the UK, although five units were deployed to the Middle East. There, they were tasked with intercepting high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, such as the Junkers Ju 86, which was known for its high-flying capabilities.
Unfortunately, the Mk VI had its shortcomings. It was found to be outperformed by locally modified Mk Vs in the Middle East, which were lightened for better agility and speed. The pressurized canopy, which had to be locked down before takeoff, was also unpopular with pilots, despite the fact that it could be jettisoned in an emergency. These limitations meant that the Mk VI was not widely embraced in operational theaters.
Once its role as a high-altitude interceptor diminished, the Mk VI was withdrawn from squadron service and repurposed for training. In this capacity, both its armament and cockpit pressurization system were removed. Additionally, the aircraft’s extended wingtips were often replaced with standard tips, marking its transition away from high-altitude duties.