Supermarine Spitfire Mk 22 serial PK312 – March 1945
The Spitfire F.22 and F.24 represented the ultimate evolution of the iconic Spitfire line. Building on the foundation laid by the F.21, these variants incorporated several refinements and modifications that aimed to maximize performance and address the issues of earlier models.
Design and Features
Common Enhancements:
- Rear View Fuselage and Bubble Canopy: Both the F.22 and F.24 featured the ‘rear view’ fuselage with a bubble canopy, significantly improving pilot visibility.
- Tail Surfaces: Most F.22s and all F.24s were equipped with the larger vertical and horizontal tail surfaces derived from the Spiteful, enhancing stability and control.
- Electrical System: Both models adopted the 24-volt electrical system from late production F.21s.
Spitfire F.22:
- Initial Flight and Production: The first F.22 flew in November 1944, with initial production starting in March 1945. Although 627 were initially ordered, post-war cutbacks reduced this number to 288.
- Operational Service: The F.22 saw limited operational use, flying with only one regular RAF squadron, No. 73, based in Malta in 1947-48 before transitioning to de Havilland Vampires. It also served with seven Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons from 1947 to 1951, which later re-equipped with jets.
Spitfire F.24:
- Development and Production: The first F.24 flew in February 1946, with production beginning the same month. Early F.24s were converted from F.22s on the production line. The final Spitfire, an F.24 designated VN496, was delivered in February 1948.
- Distinct Features: The F.24 incorporated several advancements over the F.22, including:
- Short barrel Hispano Mk.V cannon instead of the Mk.II.
- Electrical gun firing mechanism replacing the pneumatic system.
- Additional fuel tanks in the rear fuselage for extended range.
- Capability to carry underwing rocket projectiles.
- Operational Service: No. 80 Squadron was the sole RAF unit to operate the F.24, receiving its aircraft in January 1948 while stationed in Germany and retaining them until December 1951 when based in Hong Kong.
The Spitfire F.22 and F.24 marked the culmination of the Spitfire’s development, embodying the extensive refinements and technological advancements that had been made since the aircraft’s inception. Despite their advanced design and improved capabilities, these models arrived too late to see significant action in World War II. Their operational careers were relatively short, primarily due to the rapid advancement of jet technology which quickly rendered piston-engined fighters obsolete. Nonetheless, the F.22 and F.24 stood as a testament to the enduring legacy and continual improvement of the Spitfire design.