Spitfire Mk VIII MV116, July 1944
The Supermarine Spitfire HF Mk VIII was a high-altitude version of the Mk VIII, optimized for performance at extreme altitudes where it played a significant role in intercepting enemy bombers and conducting reconnaissance missions during World War II.
Specifications:
- Type No.: 360
- Type: Single-seat high-altitude fighter
Dimensions:
- Wingspan:
- Standard: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
- With extended tips: 40 ft 2 in (12.24 m)
- Length: 31 ft 3½ in (9.54 m)
- Height: 11 ft 8½ in (3.57 m) [tip of prop, tail up]
Performance:
- Engine: Two-speed, two-stage, 1,950 hp (1,454 kW) Merlin 70
- Maximum Speed: 416 mph (669 km/h) at 27,500 ft (8,380 m)
- Service Ceiling: 44,000 ft (13,410 m)
- Range: 660 miles (1,062 km)
Armament:
- Standard Armament:
- Two 20 mm Hispano cannon (120 rounds per gun)
- Four 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns (350 rounds per gun)
- Optional Loadout:
- Four 20 mm Hispano cannon (120 rounds per gun)
- Bomb capacity: 1,000 lb (454 kg) with one 500 lb (227 kg) bomb on the centerline and one 250 lb (113 kg) bomb under each wing.
Features:
- Cockpit: Unpressurized with internal bulletproof glass to protect the pilot.
- Tailwheel: Retractable, improving aerodynamic efficiency and overall performance.
- Propeller: Rotol four-blade, variable-pitch, constant-speed, Type R12/4F5/4 (Jablo or Hydrulignum), 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter.
Radio Equipment:
- Communication & Navigation: TR.1143, A.1271 (Beam Approach), ARI.5000 or ARI.5025.
Production:
- Total Built: 160 units.
Notable Features:
- High-Altitude Optimization: The HF Mk VIII was designed to perform optimally at extreme altitudes, where its Merlin 70 engine provided superior power and performance compared to other variants.
- Extended Wing Tips: Some models were fitted with extended wingtips, increasing the wingspan to 40 ft 2 in, further enhancing their high-altitude capabilities by improving lift and handling in thin air.
- Armament Flexibility: Like other Mk VIII variants, the HF version could be equipped with various armament configurations for different mission roles, including both air-to-air and ground-attack capabilities.
- Increased Speed: At altitudes of around 27,500 ft, the HF Mk VIII could reach speeds of up to 416 mph, making it one of the fastest high-altitude fighters of its time.