Spitfire F Mk VIII MD319 on the ground
The Spitfire Mk VIII (Type No. 359) was developed alongside the Mk VII, sharing many of the same design features, but with one key difference: it was unpressurised. Production of the Mk VIII began in November 1942, and while early models had the standard rudder, most were later fitted with the broad-chord, pointed-tip rudder, which improved handling at high speeds. The Mk VIII was equipped with the universal ‘C’ wing as standard, allowing for various weapons configurations, similar to its contemporaries.
While some early Mk VIIIs were equipped with the pointed, high-altitude wings, most were produced with the standard span wings, providing greater maneuverability at lower altitudes. A standout feature of the Mk VIII was the Vokes Aero-Vee tropical filter, a compact and efficient design that was a significant improvement over earlier tropical filters used on the Mk Vs in the Middle East. This filter became standard on both the Mk VIII and most Mk IXs, apart from the very early models or conversion airframes, as well as their derivative, the Mk XVI.
As a general deployment strategy, Mk VIIs were typically assigned to squadrons based in the UK, while the Mk VIII was primarily sent to squadrons in the Middle East and Far East. A total of 1,658 Spitfire Mk VIIIs were produced, and they served with thirty squadrons, with the first deliveries occurring towards the end of 1942.
Around the same time that the Mk VIII began reaching operational squadrons, the RAF introduced role prefixes for Spitfires. These prefixes included F Mk VIII (Fighter), LF Mk VIII (Low-altitude Fighter), and HF Mk VIII (High-altitude Fighter), reflecting the best altitude for each aircraft’s performance based on the Merlin engine variant installed. It’s important to note that these designations referred to the engine’s altitude rating, not the type of wingtip fitted.
One of the longstanding issues with the Spitfire design was the pilot’s rearward visibility, which had been recognized as limited from the early stages of development. In 1943, a specific Mk VIII, JF299, was used for experimental modifications to enhance rearward vision. The rear fuselage was cut down, and a tear-drop sliding canopy was installed. The experiment was a success, and this modification was later incorporated into late-production Mk IXs, most Mk XVIs, and all Mk 20 series Spitfires and their naval counterparts. Besides improving functionality, the cut-down fuselage and new canopy design further refined the Spitfire’s already graceful lines.