Spitfire F Mk XVI - Revision history

U178117757: /* Flight performance */ RB stock speed

2024-09-01T02:33:18Z

‎Flight performance: RB stock speed

U138562325: /* Pros and cons */

2023-09-17T21:34:26Z

‎Pros and cons

U38088265: /* Description */ Updated to new standard

2023-07-24T22:15:50Z

‎Description: Updated to new standard

U9202753: Specs-Card image added

2023-07-04T20:24:11Z

Specs-Card image added

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-10-20T21:40:05Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U44629479: Edits

2022-04-13T22:58:36Z

Edits

U44629479: Edits

2021-05-31T19:53:34Z

Edits

U36317457: wing span-wise lift efficiency coefficient detail

2021-05-31T04:39:05Z

wing span-wise lift efficiency coefficient detail

U44629479: Edits

2021-05-22T15:06:14Z

Edits

U108409241: Minor edits to the description

2021-05-22T11:11:45Z

Minor edits to the description

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 |-
 ! Stock
-| 624 || 605 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.0 || 21.8 || 17.5 || 17.5 || rowspan="2" | 390
+| 624 || 604 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.0 || 21.8 || 17.5 || 17.5 || rowspan="2" | 390
 |-
 ! Upgraded

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 * Relatively low rip speed (650 km/h)
 * Low wing lift efficiency when at high altitudes or speeds under 320 km/h (200 mph)
 == History ==
@@ Line 204: / Line 205: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_xvi Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+The final Merlin-powered variant of the Spitfire, the Spitfire F Mk XVI was a [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]] equipped with the Packard Merlin 266 engine, a Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 licence-built by the American Packard Motor Company. Notably, the model represented in-game features the new "E-type" wings, which allowed either an all-cannon arrangement like the C-type or installation of M2 Browning heavy machine guns. These could also be "clipped", removing the wingtips to improve low-altitude characteristics at the cost of high-altitude manoeuvrability.
-The Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]], aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulfe 190 series]].
+In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]], aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulfe 190 series]]. The clipped wings give the Mk XVI a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. However, compared to similar Merlin Spitfires, the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally. In terms of armament, the two M2 Brownings also provide a significant increase in firepower compared to the previous quad .303 Browning setup.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=spitfire_xvi
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}

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 <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
 The Mk XVI variant was very similar to the Mk IX; however, it was powered by a US-manufactured Packard Merlin 266 engine. A total of 1,054 Spitfires of this variant were produced. All production variants had the distinguishing feature of low-altitude clipped wings and a cut down rear fuselage and bubble canopy for increased visibility. The clipped wings increased the roll rate and top speed due to a reduction in drag, but sacrificed some of the fighter's climb rate. This, coupled with an engine optimised for efficiency in denser air made the Mk XVI ideally suited to combat at lower altitudes.
 == Media ==

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 The Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]], aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulfe 190 series]].
-The Mk XVI possesses all the characteristics of the LF Mk IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Low-altitude climb acceleration is fantastic, the climb rate is very good, and armament is extremely effective. The main distinguishing feature of the Mk XVI is its clipped wings. These wings give the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The roll rate makes evasion a very easy task- rolling manoeuvres can easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in the 4.0-6.0 BR range. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet below 1,500 m.
+The Mk XVI possesses all the characteristics of the LF Mk IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Low-altitude climb acceleration is fantastic, the climb rate is very good, and armament is extremely effective. The main distinguishing feature of the Mk XVI is its clipped wings. These wings give the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The roll rate makes evasion a very easy task- rolling manoeuvres can easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in its BR range. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet below 1,500 m.
 However, the clipped wings can provide some significant disadvantages to flying, as well. Compared to similar Merlin Spitfires the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally.
@@ Line 144: / Line 144: @@
 [[File:Spitfire F Mk XVI tailing.jpg|thumb|400px|A concerned [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] pilot watching the {{PAGENAME}} tailing him.]]
-The Spitfire F Mk XVI is quite unique with its clipped wings. These give this version of the Spitfire a distinct advantage in roll rate, dive performance, and level top speed. However, they reduce the plane's ability to turn, and unlike other Merlin Spitfires this one is only average in its turning ability. Thankfully, it retains a good rate of climb, even if it is not as high as that of the unclipped Spitfire variants. In addition, the clipped wings reduce lift at high altitudes, so performance is best when closer to sea level.
+The Spitfire F Mk XVI is quite unique with its clipped wings. These give this version of the Spitfire a distinct advantage in roll rate, dive performance, and level top speed. However, they reduce the plane's ability to turn, and unlike other Merlin Spitfires this one is only average in its turning ability. Thankfully, it retains a good climb rate, even if it is not as high as that of the unclipped Spitfire variants. In addition, the clipped wings reduce lift at high altitudes, so performance is best when closer to sea level.
 Thanks to a great roll rate, this Spitfire is very capable in defensive manoeuvres, and although turn rate is decreased, the boost in roll speed make this a great dogfighter as well.
-This vehicle maximizes its performance at low altitudes. Below 1500 m, it has an incredible rate of climb, very good top speed and acceleration, great dive performance, and generally outmatches its opponents. Still, there are some American and German planes that can outspeed and outdive this plane (especially since it locks up and may rip at high speeds), and the unclipped Merlin Spitfires outclimb this one.
+This vehicle maximizes its performance at low altitudes. Below 1500 m, it has an incredible climb rate, very good top speed and acceleration, great dive performance, and generally outmatches its opponents. Still, there are some American and German planes that can outspeed and outdive this plane (especially since it locks up and may rip at high speeds), and the unclipped Merlin Spitfires outclimb this one.
 This plane is equipped with 2 x 20 mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns. These are effective against fighters but may struggle against large planes such as heavy bombers. They can't destroy well-armoured ground targets, but can destroy lightly armoured ground targets and open-topped vehicles. Since all of these guns are wing-mounted, convergence should be kept in mind. A good convergence setting is usually between 300 and 500 m. Since cannon ammunition is somewhat limited, firing the 12.7 mm machine guns alone can be a good way to visualize the lead required to shoot enemies at longer ranges.
@@ Line 187: / Line 187: @@
 * Ability to mount bombs for a ground attack option
 * Slightly better simulator visibility due to its bubble cockpit
-* Stock parts are not as bad as some other rank IV or V planes, such as the P-51D-5, Ki-84 and Late Bf109s
+* Stock parts are not as bad as some other rank IV or V planes, such as the P-51D-5, Ki-84 and Late Bf 109s
 '''Cons:'''
@@ Line 203: / Line 203: @@
 The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
-The Mk XVI variant was very similar to the Mk IX; however, it was powered by a US-manufactured Packard Merlin 266 engine. A total of 1,054 Spitfires of this variant were produced. All production variants had the distinguishing feature of low-altitude clipped wings and a cut down rear fuselage and bubble canopy for increased visibility. The clipped wings increased the roll rate and top speed due to a reduction in drag, but sacrificed some of the fighter's rate of climb. This, coupled with an engine optimised for efficiency in denser air made the Mk XVI ideally suited to combat at lower altitudes.
+The Mk XVI variant was very similar to the Mk IX; however, it was powered by a US-manufactured Packard Merlin 266 engine. A total of 1,054 Spitfires of this variant were produced. All production variants had the distinguishing feature of low-altitude clipped wings and a cut down rear fuselage and bubble canopy for increased visibility. The clipped wings increased the roll rate and top speed due to a reduction in drag, but sacrificed some of the fighter's climb rate. This, coupled with an engine optimised for efficiency in denser air made the Mk XVI ideally suited to combat at lower altitudes.
 == Media ==

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 * Poor performance at high altitude
 * Relatively low rip speed (650 km/h)
 == History ==
@@ Line 208: / Line 209: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=spitfire_xvi Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 215: / Line 217: @@
 == See also ==
 ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 The Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]], aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulfe 190 series]].
-The Mk XVI possesses all the characteristics of the LF Mk IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Low-altitude climb acceleration is fantastic, the climb rate is very good, and armament is extremely effective. The main distinguishing feature of the Mk XVI is its clipped wings. These wings give the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The roll rate makes evasion a very easy task- rolling manoeuvres can easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in the 4.0-6.0 BR range. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet '''below''' 1,500 m.
+The Mk XVI possesses all the characteristics of the LF Mk IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Low-altitude climb acceleration is fantastic, the climb rate is very good, and armament is extremely effective. The main distinguishing feature of the Mk XVI is its clipped wings. These wings give the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The roll rate makes evasion a very easy task- rolling manoeuvres can easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in the 4.0-6.0 BR range. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provide for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbs like a rocket and dives like a hornet below 1,500 m.
 However, the clipped wings can provide some significant disadvantages to flying, as well. Compared to similar Merlin Spitfires the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally.
@@ Line 141: / Line 141: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
-[[File:Spitfire F Mk XVI tailing.jpg|600x600px|thumb|A concerned [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] pilot watching the {{PAGENAME}} tailing him.]]<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 The Spitfire F Mk XVI is quite unique with its clipped wings. These give this version of the Spitfire a distinct advantage in roll rate, dive performance, and level top speed. However, they reduce the plane's ability to turn, and unlike other Merlin Spitfires this one is only average in its turning ability. Thankfully, it retains a good rate of climb, even if it is not as high as that of the unclipped Spitfire variants. In addition, the clipped wings reduce lift at high altitudes, so performance is best when closer to sea level.
@@ Line 149: / Line 150: @@
 This vehicle maximizes its performance at low altitudes. Below 1500 m, it has an incredible rate of climb, very good top speed and acceleration, great dive performance, and generally outmatches its opponents. Still, there are some American and German planes that can outspeed and outdive this plane (especially since it locks up and may rip at high speeds), and the unclipped Merlin Spitfires outclimb this one.
-This plane is equipped with 2 x 20 mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns. These are effective against fighters but may struggle against large planes such as heavy bombers. They can't destroy well-armoured ground targets, but can destroy lightly- or un-armoured ground targets and open top vehicles. Since all of these guns are wing-mounted, convergence should be kept in mind. A good convergence setting is usually between 300 and 500 m. Since cannon ammunition is somewhat limited, firing the 12.7 mm machine guns alone can be a good way to visualize the lead required to shoot enemies at longer ranges.
+This plane is equipped with 2 x 20 mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns. These are effective against fighters but may struggle against large planes such as heavy bombers. They can't destroy well-armoured ground targets, but can destroy lightly armoured ground targets and open-topped vehicles. Since all of these guns are wing-mounted, convergence should be kept in mind. A good convergence setting is usually between 300 and 500 m. Since cannon ammunition is somewhat limited, firing the 12.7 mm machine guns alone can be a good way to visualize the lead required to shoot enemies at longer ranges.
 The Spitfire can also mount 2 x 250 lb bombs for destroying ground targets. These are quite small and must be aimed precisely to destroy the target. While this plane can be used in Ground Realistic battles, the fact that it can only carry 2 small bombs reduces its anti-ground capabilities. Instead, this plane can work as an air-superiority fighter in mixed battles.
@@ Line 177: / Line 178: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Good climb speed, albeit lower than non-clipped wing variants
+* Good climb rate, albeit lower than non-clipped wing variants
 * Great roll rate
 * Great dive acceleration
 * Better dive speed than other Merlin Spitfires
-* Better turning that most of its German and American counterparts
+* Better turning ability that most of its German and American counterparts
-* Ability to mount bombs for a decent late-game ground attack option
+* New M2 HMGs are far more effective than the Browning .303s
 * Slightly better simulator visibility due to its bubble cockpit
-* Stock parts are not as bad as some other T4-5 planes, such as the P-51D-5, Ki-84 and Late Bf109s
+* Stock parts are not as bad as some other rank IV or V planes, such as the P-51D-5, Ki-84 and Late Bf109s
 '''Cons:'''
-* Worse turning than all other Merlin Spitfires
+* Worse turning ability than all other Merlin Spitfires
 * Worse dive speed than its German and American counterparts
-* Poor performance at altitude
+* Poor performance at high altitude
-* Relatively low rip speed (650 kph)
+* Relatively low rip speed (650 km/h)
 == History ==
@@ Line 206: / Line 206: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 {{Youtube-gallery|MNacjyimuCQ|'''The Shooting Range #95''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:57 discusses the Spitfire F Mk XVI.}}
 == See also ==
 ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
@@ Line 216: / Line 220: @@
 == External links ==
 <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''-->

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 However, the clipped wings can provide some significant disadvantages to flying, as well. Compared to similar Merlin Spitfires the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally.
-Weaponry is standard, except for the 2 x Browning M2 12.7 mm HMGs that replace the standard 4 x Browning .303 machine guns. As a matter of fact, the two M2s provide a significant increase in firepower. When equipped with Universal or Stealth belts they provide excellent "soft" ground target dispatching performance while proving effective as a last-ditch weapon. As with most of the Spitfire line, the Mk XVI possesses 2 x Hispano-Suiza Mk.II 20 mm cannons which are highly effective against most fighters, especially when utilising the "Air Targets" belt.
+Weaponry is standard, except for the 2 x Browning M2 12.7 mm HMGs that replace the standard 4 x Browning .303 machine guns. As a matter of fact, the two M2s provide a significant increase in firepower. When equipped with Universal or Stealth belts they provide excellent "soft" ground target dispatching performance while proving effective at setting fires due to their high incendiary content. As with most of the Spitfire line, the Mk XVI possesses 2 x Hispano-Suiza Mk.II 20 mm cannons which are highly effective against most fighters, especially when utilising the "Air Targets" or "Stealth" belts.
 Thus, the Spitfire F Mk XVI is not a suitable Boom & Zoom nor high-altitude fighter; it works best as a low-altitude fighter-bomber that can effectively take out ground targets while providing good fighter cover. Boom and Run is by far the best-recommended tactic.