Supermarine Spitfire F Mk XVIII on the ground
The Spitfire Mk.XVIII, the ultimate evolution of the Griffon-engined Spitfire, entered service just after World War II, replacing the Mk.XIV on Supermarine’s production line in early 1945.
Design and Features
- Powerplant and Airframe: Similar to the Mk.XIV, the Mk.XVIII retained the Griffon engine, the broad chord fin and rudder, and the bubble canopy. However, it featured several structural enhancements:
- Fuselage: Slightly longer and reinforced for additional strength.
- Undercarriage: Strengthened to support increased weight from additional fuel tanks in the wings and rear fuselage.
- Wing Design: The ‘E’ wing, carrying two 20mm cannons and two 0.50in machine guns, underwent substantial internal redesign. The main spar was now an extruded (solid) section instead of the previous laminated square section tubular unit.
Variants
- F.XVIII Fighter-Bomber: Equipped with guns and capable of carrying bombs or rockets.
- FR.XVIII Tactical Reconnaissance: Adapted for reconnaissance by sacrificing one rear fuselage fuel tank to install two vertical and one oblique F.24 cameras, or a single F.52 vertical camera.
Production and Service
- Initial Deliveries: Began in May 1945.
- Production Timeline: The majority of the 300 units were produced between December 1945 and February 1946.
- Operational Use: Deployed by six RAF squadrons in the Far and Middle East, the Mk.XVIII was withdrawn from frontline service by the end of 1951.
- Historical Note: On January 1, 1951, No. 60 Squadron aircraft conducted the last Spitfire combat sortie during the Malayan Emergency.
The Spitfire Mk.XVIII, though introduced too late to see combat in World War II, represented the pinnacle of Spitfire development with its advanced features and robust design. Its post-war operational history highlights its enduring legacy in RAF service.