SPITFIRE MkIX

Spitfire Mk IX profile

In 1941, the new Focke-Wulf FW-190 began to show up in combat over Europe. Spitfire pilots became sitting ducks after it's superior performance became evident in their first encounters. The Mk IX was basically a MK V with the new Merlin 61 (later 63, 66, or 70) installed. This engine, with its two stage supercharger gave twice the power at 30,000 ft of the earlier versions.

The external differences of the Mk IX were not immediately obvious in combat and it gave a nasty surprise to the first axis pilots to encounter it.

Externally, it can be distinguished from the earlier Spitfires by a slightly longer nose, a four instead of three bladed prop, six instead of three exhaust stubs on each side and symmetrical radiators on the bottom.

The usual armament for the Mk IX was two Hispano 20mm cannons and four Browning .303 calibre machine guns.

SPAN: 32' 6"
LENGTH: 30' 6"
11' 5"
WEIGHT: 7500 lbs
HORSEPOWER: (Merlin 61) 1,490
SPEED: 404 mph @ 21,000 ft
CEILING: 42,500 ft
RANGE: 980 miles
- Lance Russwurm

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