Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk IV BP932 of No. 683 Squadron RAF, Luqa Malta February 1943
The Supermarine Spitfire PR Type D (also known as PR Mk ID or PR Mk IV) was developed for super long-range photo-reconnaissance missions, emphasizing endurance over firepower. This variant focused on maximizing fuel capacity and range to perform reconnaissance deep into enemy territory, often at very high altitudes.
Specifications of PR Type D (PR Mk ID or PR Mk IV):
Designation:
- PR Type D (PR Mk ID or PR Mk IV)
Type:
- Photo-Reconnaissance (Super Long-Range)
Dimensions:
- Span: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
- Length: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m)
- Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) [Tip of Prop, Tail Down]
Engine:
- Single-stage, single-speed Rolls-Royce Merlin engines:
- 1,210 hp (902 kW) Merlin 45 or
- 1,190 hp (887 kW) Merlin 46
Performance:
- Max Speed: 372 mph (598 km/h)
- Max Range: 2,000 miles (3,218 km) – one of the longest ranges for any Spitfire variant
Fuel Capacity:
- Initially as per PR Type C, with an additional 114 Imp Gal (518 lt) in the leading edge tanks (66 1/2 gallons per wing).
- Later increased to 133 Imp Gal (605 lt) for extended range.
Armament:
- None (focusing solely on reconnaissance, the aircraft was unarmed to save weight and increase range).
Cockpit:
- Pressurized, featuring a plain perspex windscreen for improved pilot protection at high altitudes.
Tailwheel:
- Fixed
Camera Equipment:
- Two Vertical F.8 cameras (20 in focal length) or F.24 cameras (14 in focal length).
- Additionally, equipped with an Eagle IV spotting camera in the fuselage for detailed reconnaissance.
Propeller:
- de Havilland three-blade, constant-speed propeller.
Production:
- 229 PR Type D aircraft produced.
PR Mk IV (Production Variant):
The PR Mk IV was the production variant based on the PR Type D design, utilizing new-built airframes from the Mk V Spitfire. This model retained many of the characteristics of the PR Type D while incorporating additional updates and more advanced engines.
Type:
- Long-Range Photo-Reconnaissance
Dimensions:
- Span: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
- Length: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m)
- Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) [Tip of Prop, Tail Down]
Engine:
- Powered by several different Merlin engines, depending on availability:
- 1,210 hp (902 kW) Merlin 45
- Merlin 50, 55, or 56
Performance:
- Max Speed: 372 mph (598 km/h)
- Max Range: 2,000 miles (3,218 km)
Fuel Capacity:
- Two 66 Imp Gal (300 lt) tanks in the wing leading edges, bringing total fuel capacity to 218 Imp Gal (991 lt).
Camera Equipment:
- Three camera “fittings” were available:
- ‘W’ fitting: Two F.8 cameras (20 in focal length)
- ‘X’ fitting: One F.24 camera (14 in focal length)
- ‘Y’ fitting: One F.52 camera (36 in focal length)
Propeller:
- Either a Rotol 3-Blade RX5/10 or a de Havilland 3-Blade Type 5/39B, both with a diameter of 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m).
Radio Equipment:
- Equipped with either TR.1133 or TR.1143 radios.