Spitfires 273 Squadron
The Spitfire VIII was similar in structure and aerodynamics to the Mk VII but lacked the pressurized cabin, making it suitable for both fighter and fighter-bomber roles. It included new features from the Mk VII such as a modified structure, reduced span ailerons, retractable tailwheel, symmetrical underwing radiators, wing fuel tanks, strengthened undercarriage, six-port exhaust, and a 60 series Merlin engine with a two-speed, two-stage supercharger in a lengthened nose driving a four-bladed propeller.
Designed mainly for service in the Near East, Far East, and Mediterranean, all Mk VIIIs were tropicalized during production, featuring a compact Vokes Aero-Vee filter on the carburetor intake under the nose. Three subvariants were produced: the standard F VIII, the high-altitude HF VIII (some with extended wingtips), and the major production low-altitude LF VIII, with a small number having clipped rather than standard span wings.
Additional features included the ‘C’ armament and, in all but some of the earliest examples, the pointed fin and rudder with increased area. One Mk VIII, JF299, was the first Spitfire with a ‘rear vision’ bubble canopy, which appeared in September 1943. Six were completed as prototypes for the Griffon-engined Spitfire XIV.
The Mk VIII first flew in November 1942, with production starting immediately, though initially at a slow rate. The first RAF squadron to re-equip with the Mk VIII was No. 145 in Italy in August 1943. Australia received a significant number of these aircraft, with 410 delivered from October 1943 for service in the Pacific.