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