Spitfire VIII prototype trainer 1946
Two-Seat Trainer Versions of the Spitfire
Despite Supermarine proposing a two-seat trainer version of the Spitfire as early as 1941, official interest was lacking until after World War II. During the war, however, some unofficial conversions took place.
Unofficial Conversions
- No. 261 Squadron: In 1944, No. 261 Squadron in Sicily converted one of its Spitfire VCs (ES127) into a two-seater.
- Soviet Conversions: The Soviets also converted several Spitfire IXs into two-seaters.
The First Official Trainer: Spitfire T.8
- Initial Conversion: The first official Spitfire trainer was a private venture. LF.VIII MT818, which originally flew in May 1944 and was used for trials, was purchased by Vickers-Armstrong and converted into a Type 502 Spitfire Trainer.
- First Flight and Registration: The converted aircraft first flew in May 1946, carrying the Class B registration N32. It was later registered as G-AIDN and acquired the unofficial designation Spitfire T.8 (also known as T.VIII or Tr.8).
- Modification Details:
- The front cockpit was moved 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) forward.
- A second, raised cockpit for the instructor was added behind the original.
- The fuselage fuel tank capacity was reduced by more than half, necessitating the installation of additional tanks in the gun bays and leading edge tanks.
- Demonstrations and Outcome: G-AIDN was widely demonstrated, including to the RAF in April 1949 to address a potential Royal Auxiliary Air Force requirement for about 20 aircraft. However, no orders were placed, and the T.8 remained a unique conversion.
The Supermarine Type 509: Spitfire T.9
- Further Development: Supermarine found more success with the Type 509, converted from Mk.IX Spitfires and unofficially designated T.9 (or T.IX/Tr.9).
- Modification Details:
- Similar conversion to the T.8, but with a fixed tailwheel.
- Additional wing fuel tanks were located between the wing spars.
- Orders and Deliveries:
- Netherlands: The first customer, ordering three T.9s (ex MK715, BF274, and BS147) delivered in March 1948.
- India: Ordered 10 T.9s.
- Egypt: Ordered one T.9.
- Ireland: Ordered six T.9s, the last of the line, delivered between May and July 1951.
Proposed Trainer Version of the Spitfire XVIII
- Type 518: Supermarine studied a trainer version of the Spitfire XVIII, designated Type 518, but this version was never built.
Despite early reluctance from official channels, the concept of a two-seat trainer Spitfire eventually saw limited success post-war, with the T.8 and T.9 conversions meeting some international demand. The T.9, in particular, found customers in several countries, demonstrating the enduring versatility and appeal of the Spitfire design.