| The British fighter Spitfire – one of the “flying legends” of World War II. The Spitfire Mk.IX modification was raised on base of Mk.V in 1942 with the installation of the more potent engine.
This airplane was reliable and easy in service and possessed excellent flight characteristics. The Mk.IX were used in the European theatre of WWII in many roles – as universal (F), low-altitude (LF) and high-altitude (HF) fighters, and as fighter-bombers.
Spitfire Mk.IX were in service with RAF, USAAF, Air Forces of USSR, France, Italy, Czechoslovakia and some other states. Spitfire Mk.VII fighters were built since August 1942. This modification was intended for intercepting the high-altitude enemy aircraft and had a pressurized cabin and wing with extended tips.
In 1943 began production of the Spitfire Mk.VIII modification with retractable tailwheel and increased range. These fighters served in the Mediterranean and Far East in USAAF and RAAF units.
Some Spitfire airplanes received American-built Packard Merline engines and designated as Spitfire Mk.XVI. Late-production aircraft had bubble-top canopies. Spitfires Mk.XVI were suited to low altitudes as fighters and fighter-bombers and were used to the end of war in Europe.
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