Difference between revisions of "Spitfire F Mk IX"
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== Description == | == 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.'' --> | <!-- ''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 | + | The superiority of the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] over the [[Spitfire Mk Vb|Spitfire Mk V]] quickly became apparent after its introduction in late 1941. While a new engine, the Merlin 61, with a two-stage supercharger had been developed, a new airframe for high-altitude operations was still in the works; thus, as an interim measure, the new engine was fitted into the [[Spitfire Mk Vc]], producing the Spitfire Mk IX. Even without the aerodynamic and structural improvements of the new design, the Mk IX was found to be an effective counter to the Fw 190, with much greater speed, climb rate, and high-altitude manoeuvrability than the Mk V, while matching its low-level performance. Many Mk Vc's would be converted to the new standard, and were armed in both all-cannon and B-type wing-style arrangements, but with the advantage of greater ammunition capacity due to the belt-feeding of the cannons facilitated by the wing redesign. In early 1943, the Merlin 61 engines were gradually replaced by the Merlin 63, and production of the Spitfire F Mk IX was finally halted in late 1943 in favour of the Merlin 66-powered [[Spitfire LF Mk IX|LF Mk IX]]. |
| − | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.35]], the Spitfire Mk IX series is the pinnacle of the Merlin-powered Spitfires. They feature an exceptional rate of climb and adequate speed, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of their early lineage. The Mk IX presents a good introduction to the more energy-fighting style of the later Griffon-powered aircraft, making use of the altitude advantage to make passes on an opponent while retaining the ability to return to a turn-fighting approach when desired. However, the F Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and quad machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents. While the Spitfire Mk IX also finally comes with the ability to carry ground ordnance, the single option of a 250 lb bomb is very lacklustre, and its effect against medium and heavy targets is limited. It should be used only to engage lightly armoured vehicles and SPAAs, if at all. | |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| Line 114: | Line 114: | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | {{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
| − | {{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning | + | {{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total) | * 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total) | ||
| − | * 4 x 7.7 mm Browning | + | * 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total) |
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
| − | {{main| | + | {{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
| − | * 1 x 250 lb | + | * 1 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (250 lb total) |
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!--''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
| − | As a Spitfire Mk IX at its realistic mode battle rating, the most common and dangerous opponents are Bf | + | As a Spitfire Mk IX at its realistic mode battle rating, the most common and dangerous opponents are Bf 109s, normally the G-2/Trop and F-4 variants both of which often benefit from a better team composition on the axis side. When facing them, you should never attempt to hold an extended dogfight above 5,000 m as you will lose a significant portion of engine power in comparison to them. Instead, you should take the fight below 5 km where you can outrun a Bf 109 F-4, although Fw 190s and the German variant P-47 will catch up easily at the lower altitude. |
| − | The advantages of your plane in both an up-tier and down-tier remain largely the same in that you can out-turn almost anything except all models of the A6M | + | The advantages of your plane in both an up-tier and down-tier remain largely the same in that you can out-turn almost anything except all models of the A6M "Zero" and the A7M "Reppu" along with earlier Spitfires you might face such as the Italian Spitfire Mk Vb/Trop. In this scenario you should play cautiously and try to energy fight them, extending away and climbing. For head-ons, since the armament of 2 x 20 mm and 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are rather lacklustre, you usually should avoid these. If you really want to, though, use stealth rounds and fire from 1,000 to 1,400 metres away from the target while using a 500 m convergence. However, this Spitfire does best at mid-close ranges (200-600 metres) with either 400 m or 300 m convergence. The wing-mounted guns aren't really good for head-ons. |
| − | Another aspect to consider and adjust your playstyle to is that while the acceleration and turn time is good, engine overheating in RB and SB should be managed using manual engine controls and pulling more than | + | Another aspect to consider and adjust your playstyle to is that while the acceleration and turn time is good, engine overheating in RB and SB should be managed using manual engine controls and pulling more than 9 G while rolling puts you at risk of ripping your wing off. Additionally, since the Inline engine is very vulnerable to damage and the Spitfire requires lots of time on target, practice proper methods of attacking bombers using boom and zoom tactics as tail-sitting enemy bombers with decent defensive armaments like the Me 264 and the He 177 is not likely to end well at all. |
| − | In ground RB, the lacklustre suspended armament suggests that it is unadvised to engage ground targets. The | + | In ground RB, the lacklustre suspended armament suggests that it is unadvised to engage ground targets. The 250 lb bomb may be worth taking to play your chances against a light tank or SPAA but extreme luck and skill is required to get a kill as extreme accuracy is required with the bomb. The offensive armament also lacks penetration and cannot be relied upon to kill ground vehicles - even SPAAs like the [[Ostwind]], [[Wirbelwind]] and [[M16 MGMC]] will prevail against your 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons. |
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 152: | Line 152: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable | | Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable | ||
| Line 165: | Line 163: | ||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Great manoeuvrability | + | * Great manoeuvrability. |
| − | * Good roll rate | + | * Good roll rate. |
| − | * Good low-level performance | + | * Good low-level performance. |
| − | * Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to the Spitfires with the Type | + | * Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to the Spitfires with the Type "B" wings with 60 RPG. |
| − | * Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons | + | * Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons. |
| − | * Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine | + | * Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine. |
| − | * Lack of engine float carburettor allows for more forgiving negative-G manoeuvres and inverted flight (RB/SB) | + | * Lack of engine float carburettor allows for more forgiving negative-G manoeuvres and inverted flight (RB/SB). |
* You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting. | * You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting. | ||
* Like previous versions of British planes, the tracer belts are composed entirely of incendiary bullets (IT and AP-I). | * Like previous versions of British planes, the tracer belts are composed entirely of incendiary bullets (IT and AP-I). | ||
| Line 178: | Line 176: | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting | + | * Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting. |
| − | * Cannons overheat and jam quickly, when not in 1942/1943 configuration | + | * Cannons overheat and jam quickly, when not in 1942/1943 configuration. |
| − | * When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four 7.7 mm machine guns | + | * When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four 7.7 mm machine guns. |
| − | * Poor high altitude performance (above | + | * Poor high altitude performance (above 5,000 m). |
| − | * Poor acceleration | + | * Poor acceleration. |
| − | * Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 km/h | + | * Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 km/h. |
| − | * Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB) | + | * Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB). |
| − | * Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners | + | * Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners. |
| − | * Fragile airframe | + | * Fragile airframe. |
| − | * Catches fire easily, not all fuel tanks are self sealing | + | * Catches fire easily, not all fuel tanks are self sealing. |
| − | * | + | * 20 mm incredibly inaccurate even at close ranges when stock. |
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | <!-- ''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).'' --> | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
| − | + | {{break}} | |
| − | The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as 'outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet' and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C 'universal' wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two | + | {{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}} |
| + | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | ||
| + | The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as 'outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet' and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C 'universal' wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two 20 mm cannon and four 0.303 inch machine guns, but in later versions the four 0.303 machine guns were replaced with two .50 calibre guns. | ||
A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution. | A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution. | ||
| + | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
=== Notable pilots === | === Notable pilots === | ||
| − | + | [[File:Douglas_Bader_profile.jpg|thumb|none|220px|User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' was the fighter in which '''[[User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|Douglas Bader]]''' flew as flight lead of 300 aircraft over London for a victory flyover in June 1945.]] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| − | <!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.--> | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
;Skins | ;Skins | ||
| − | * | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_ix_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
;Videos | ;Videos | ||
| Line 219: | Line 213: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| − | <!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''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;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
| − | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''--> | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> |
| − | ; | + | ;Other Spitfire Mk IX variants: |
* [[Spitfire F Mk IXc]] | * [[Spitfire F Mk IXc]] | ||
| Line 233: | Line 226: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
| − | |||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | + | * ''other literature.'' --> | |
| − | * ''other literature.''--> | ||
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/162149-supermarine-spitfire-f-mk-ix/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/162149-supermarine-spitfire-f-mk-ix/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:38, 24 July 2023
| This page is about the British fighter Spitfire F Mk IX. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family). |
Spitfire F Mk IX
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/15/Cockpit_spitfire_ix_early.jpg
Contents
Description
The superiority of the Fw 190 over the Spitfire Mk V quickly became apparent after its introduction in late 1941. While a new engine, the Merlin 61, with a two-stage supercharger had been developed, a new airframe for high-altitude operations was still in the works; thus, as an interim measure, the new engine was fitted into the Spitfire Mk Vc, producing the Spitfire Mk IX. Even without the aerodynamic and structural improvements of the new design, the Mk IX was found to be an effective counter to the Fw 190, with much greater speed, climb rate, and high-altitude manoeuvrability than the Mk V, while matching its low-level performance. Many Mk Vc's would be converted to the new standard, and were armed in both all-cannon and B-type wing-style arrangements, but with the advantage of greater ammunition capacity due to the belt-feeding of the cannons facilitated by the wing redesign. In early 1943, the Merlin 61 engines were gradually replaced by the Merlin 63, and production of the Spitfire F Mk IX was finally halted in late 1943 in favour of the Merlin 66-powered LF Mk IX.
Introduced in Update 1.35, the Spitfire Mk IX series is the pinnacle of the Merlin-powered Spitfires. They feature an exceptional rate of climb and adequate speed, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of their early lineage. The Mk IX presents a good introduction to the more energy-fighting style of the later Griffon-powered aircraft, making use of the altitude advantage to make passes on an opponent while retaining the ability to return to a turn-fighting approach when desired. However, the F Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and quad machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents. While the Spitfire Mk IX also finally comes with the ability to carry ground ordnance, the single option of a 250 lb bomb is very lacklustre, and its effect against medium and heavy targets is limited. It should be used only to engage lightly armoured vehicles and SPAAs, if at all.
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 8 537 m650 km/h
Turn time17 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin-61
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight4 t
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 8,537 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 627 | 609 | 11500 | 18.1 | 18.7 | 15.8 | 15.8 | 380 |
| Upgraded | 676 | 650 | 16.4 | 17.2 | 24.4 | 19.5 | ||
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| X | X | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 774 | 270 | N/A | N/A | 230 | ~10 | ~5 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 321 | < 400 | < 350 | > 450 |
| Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 4,100 m | 1,400 hp | 1,624 hp |
| Setting 2 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 8,000 m | 1,160 hp | 1,346 hp |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural774 km/h
Gear270 km/h
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
- 3 mm Steel - Armour plate on top of fuel tanks
- 4 mm Steel - Armour plate on pilot's seat. Behind pilot is another 6-7 mm steel plate
- 3 mm Steel - Armour plates around ammunition
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB867 → 1 121 
RB1 988 → 2 572
SB3 065 → 3 966
Total cost of modifications19 560 
32 000
Talisman cost980 
Crew training13 000
Experts47 000
Aces400
Research Aces280 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 130 / 270 %
136 / 136 / 136 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Spitfire F Mk IX is armed with:
- 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
- 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
Suspended armament
The Spitfire F Mk IX can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 1 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (250 lb total)
Usage in battles
As a Spitfire Mk IX at its realistic mode battle rating, the most common and dangerous opponents are Bf 109s, normally the G-2/Trop and F-4 variants both of which often benefit from a better team composition on the axis side. When facing them, you should never attempt to hold an extended dogfight above 5,000 m as you will lose a significant portion of engine power in comparison to them. Instead, you should take the fight below 5 km where you can outrun a Bf 109 F-4, although Fw 190s and the German variant P-47 will catch up easily at the lower altitude.
The advantages of your plane in both an up-tier and down-tier remain largely the same in that you can out-turn almost anything except all models of the A6M "Zero" and the A7M "Reppu" along with earlier Spitfires you might face such as the Italian Spitfire Mk Vb/Trop. In this scenario you should play cautiously and try to energy fight them, extending away and climbing. For head-ons, since the armament of 2 x 20 mm and 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are rather lacklustre, you usually should avoid these. If you really want to, though, use stealth rounds and fire from 1,000 to 1,400 metres away from the target while using a 500 m convergence. However, this Spitfire does best at mid-close ranges (200-600 metres) with either 400 m or 300 m convergence. The wing-mounted guns aren't really good for head-ons.
Another aspect to consider and adjust your playstyle to is that while the acceleration and turn time is good, engine overheating in RB and SB should be managed using manual engine controls and pulling more than 9 G while rolling puts you at risk of ripping your wing off. Additionally, since the Inline engine is very vulnerable to damage and the Spitfire requires lots of time on target, practice proper methods of attacking bombers using boom and zoom tactics as tail-sitting enemy bombers with decent defensive armaments like the Me 264 and the He 177 is not likely to end well at all.
In ground RB, the lacklustre suspended armament suggests that it is unadvised to engage ground targets. The 250 lb bomb may be worth taking to play your chances against a light tank or SPAA but extreme luck and skill is required to get a kill as extreme accuracy is required with the bomb. The offensive armament also lacks penetration and cannot be relied upon to kill ground vehicles - even SPAAs like the Ostwind, Wirbelwind and M16 MGMC will prevail against your 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Controllable Not auto controlled |
Not controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Auto control available |
Combined | Controllable 2 gears |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great manoeuvrability.
- Good roll rate.
- Good low-level performance.
- Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to the Spitfires with the Type "B" wings with 60 RPG.
- Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons.
- Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine.
- Lack of engine float carburettor allows for more forgiving negative-G manoeuvres and inverted flight (RB/SB).
- You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting.
- Like previous versions of British planes, the tracer belts are composed entirely of incendiary bullets (IT and AP-I).
- Incredibly fast climber, out-climbs 109s when upgraded
Cons:
- Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting.
- Cannons overheat and jam quickly, when not in 1942/1943 configuration.
- When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four 7.7 mm machine guns.
- Poor high altitude performance (above 5,000 m).
- Poor acceleration.
- Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 km/h.
- Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB).
- Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners.
- Fragile airframe.
- Catches fire easily, not all fuel tanks are self sealing.
- 20 mm incredibly inaccurate even at close ranges when stock.
History
| Archive of the in-game description | |
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The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as 'outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet' and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C 'universal' wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two 20 mm cannon and four 0.303 inch machine guns, but in later versions the four 0.303 machine guns were replaced with two .50 calibre guns. A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution. | |
Notable pilots
The Spitfire F Mk IX was the fighter in which Douglas Bader flew as flight lead of 300 aircraft over London for a victory flyover in June 1945.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
The Shooting Range #92 - Metal Beasts section at 05:10 discusses the Spitfire F Mk IX.
See also
- Other Spitfire Mk IX variants
- Spitfire F Mk IXc
- Spitfire LF Mk IX
- Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
- Spitfire Mk IXc (USSR)
- Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)
External links
| Supermarine | |
|---|---|
| Spitfires | |
| Merlin engine | Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb |
| Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop | |
| Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI | |
| Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc | |
| Griffon engine | Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24 |
| Export | ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe |
| Seafires | Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47 |
| Export | ▄Seafire LF Mk.III |
| Jet fighters | Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7 |
| Hydroplanes | Walrus Mk.I |
