Один LF.Mk IXB летом 1944 года был переделан в поплавковый гидроистребитель с целью исследования его возможностей в этом качестве для использования на Тихом океане. После испытаний машину опять "поставили на колеса". От гидросамолетов-истребителей англичане отказались.
The prototype Spitfire F Mk IX Spitfire floatplane, MJ892. Converted in May 1944, it was first flown on July 6, from Beaumaris, by F. C. Furlong.
The only fault found with the floatplane as far as handling was concerned was a slight tendency to “patter” or wobble from float to float when landing. The armament of W3760 was of “B” wing standard; two 20mm cannon and four 0-303in machine guns. One feature of the flying characteristics was that the floatplane could be made to roll successfully for combat purposes.
Spitfire floatplane EP754 was another Mk VB conversion. Intended to operate against Junkers Ju 52s on refuelling missions from Greece to Crete, the Spitfire's floatplane variant did not see operational service flying from salt water caused galloping corrosion, and the engine torque made take-offs exceedingly dicey.
Spitfire Mk.IX, MJ892, converted into a floatplane by Folland Aircraft at Hamble. This was the last of five conversions, although only four of these flew, mid-1944.
Jeffrey Quill taxying the first Spitfire floatplane, W3760, in 1942. Following trials, W3760 was shipped out to Alexandria.
