The Mk XVI E Spitfire was the last variant produced in significant numbers that was powered by the Merlin engine. It was the Mk IXE version, powered with the Packard Merlin 266, Rolls-Royce licence-built in the USA. The engine differed from the British original with some technological changes. The new aircraft was flown in December 1943. All machines of this type were utilised to operate on low altitudes – they carried the designation LF for "Low Altitude Fighter". They also featured clipped wing tips, the E type (two cannons, two machine guns) armament configuration and tapered vert
The Mk XVI E Spitfire was the last variant produced in significant numbers that was powered by the Merlin engine. It was the Mk IXE version, powered with the Packard Merlin 266, Rolls-Royce licence-built in the USA. The engine differed from the British original with some technological changes. The new aircraft was flown in December 1943. All machines of this type were utilised to operate on low altitudes – they carried the designation LF for "Low Altitude Fighter". They also featured clipped wing tips, the E type (two cannons, two machine guns) armament configuration and tapered vertical stabiliser. Most of the Mk XVI series had their rear fuselage lowered behind the cockpit, which made it possible to introduce a teardrop canopy, thus improving rear visibility. In total, 1,055 Mk XVI E Spitfires were built.
Size: 1939px × 1289px
Photo credit: © ART Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 17-50mm, a580, aircraft, airforce, christchurch, displays, dslr, ication, lf, photograph, propeller, sony, spitfire, supermarine, tamron, wigram, world, xv1e, zealand
