Spitfire PR XI PL841 of No. 681 Squadron RAF Burma 1944

Supermarine Spitfire PR XI PL841

Spitfire PRXI PL841 ‘U’ Burma

The Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XI was a specialized long-range photo-reconnaissance variant of the iconic Spitfire, designed for high-speed and high-altitude reconnaissance missions during World War II. This variant was unarmed to reduce weight and maximize its range and altitude capabilities.

Key Specifications of the PR Mk XI:

  • Designation: PR Mk XI
  • Type Numbers: 365 & 374
  • First Flight: 21st November 1942 (BS497)
  • Type: Long-range Photo-Reconnaissance Aircraft
  • Span: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
  • Length: 31 ft 3 in (9.53 m) [Tail Up]
  • Height: 11 ft 6⅝ in (3.52 m) [Tip of Prop, Tail Up]
  • Engine:
    • Two-speed, two-stage 1,565 hp (1,167 kW) Merlin 61
    • Or 1,710 hp (1,275 kW) Merlin 63, 63A, or Merlin 70
  • Weight:
    • Empty: 5,575 lb (2,534 kg)
    • Max Loaded: 7,930 lb (3,605 kg)
  • Max Speed: 417 mph (671 km/h) at 24,200 ft (7,375 m)
  • Service Ceiling: 44,000 ft (13,391 m)
  • Range: 565 miles (909 km) with a 90 Imperial Gallons (409 liters) auxiliary tank
  • Armament: None, designed purely for reconnaissance without combat engagements.
  • Cockpit: Pressurized, with a plain perspex windscreen for high-altitude operations.
  • Tailwheel: Initially fixed, later upgraded to a retractable configuration in some variants.
  • Propeller:
    • Rotol, 4-blade, variable-pitch, constant-speed.
    • Type R3/4F5/2 (with Merlin 61), R3/4F5/3 or R5/4F5/4 (with Merlin 63 & 63A), or R12/4F5/4 (with Merlin 70)
  • Radio Equipment: TR.1133 or TR.1143
  • Production: 471 units

Published at 1600 × 984 px.
Link to full-size photo:
Spitfire PR XI PL841 of No. 681 Squadron RAF Burma 1944

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