Mk.IX
Spitfire IX BF274 was used for many trials and was originally a Mk V aircraft. It was given an incorrect serial number there were no Spitfires in the BF serial range - and eventually became a T Mk IX trainer sold in Holland.
Опытный "Спитфайр" IX в полете
"Спитфайр" Mk.IX из состава 126-й эскадрильи с дополнительным подфюзеляжным баком. Лето 1944г.
"Девятка" на заводском аэродроме
Former Mk V BS452 pictured after it was converted to Mk IX standard.
Although not a product of the Experimental Shop, Spitfire IX EN123 is of interest, as it was the last Spitfire built by Heston Aircraft, and is seen here being ferried out by R. H. Henderson, MBE of the ATA in March 1946.
Douglas Gilbert's brand new Spitfire Mk IX, MH601, shared with Bluey Hebron, and claimed to be 165 Sqn's fastest aircraft, especially after Gilbert had “gunked” (polished) it.
In service with No 73 Squadron in Malta in 1945, this Spitfire IXC sports the squadron's pre-war fuselage insignia.
By late 1943 EN459, previously the 'ZX-1' of 'Skalski's Circus', had become 'HN-D' of 93 Squadron. On October 15, 1943, Flt Lt 'Hap' Kennedy used this Spitfire to down a Bf 109 in Italy. By the time this photograph was taken, Middle Stone areas of the Desert camouflage were repainted with dark colour. Dark Green seems the most likely hypothesis, turning the scheme into regulation Temperate Land.
Not a very clear photo, but an extremely interesting one. It shows an F.IX fitted with both the high-altitude pointed wingtips, and the 'Aboukir'-style tropical filter, originally developed for Mk.Vs. In all probability this is one of the early Mk.IXs introduced in 1943 for high-altitude defence in the Suez Canal zone. The Spitfire seems to sport a rather unusual scheme of a single colour overall. Also the 'B' type roundel and 'C' type fin flash appear rather non-standard, with very light blue portions. This would indicate that the photo was taken using ortho film or a colour filter, which rendered blue shades much lighter than they really were. In fact, the fighter was probably finished in standard Day fighter (High flying) scheme.
Leaving Hucknall in late September 1942, BS289 serves as a perfect example of an early series Rolls-Royce-converted Mk.IX. General cowling lines, the 'bumps', and the camouflage pattern on the nose, are all similar to the prototype conversions. However, the fireproof bulkhead and its corresponding panel lines have no slant any more, and the fuel cooler air inlet is prominent in the port wing root leading edge. Also the bottom panel of the cowling is a brand new part, rather than a modified Mk.V component. Note that BS289 featured the flat-sided cockpit hood and headrest, although both items had been declared obsolete by that time. It looks like this Spitfire was not fitted with the 0.303in machine-guns at all. During late 1942, BS289 was delivered to the Mediterranean as one of the first Mk.IXs in that theatre.
Delivered from Eastleigh on June 10, 1942, BR592 was the second Mk.IX converted from a Mk.VC by Supermarine rather than by Rolls-Royce. This Spitfire was one of the initial batch delivered to 64 Squadron during late June/early July 1942. She was lost to Fw 190s on October 11, 1942, still with the same unit. This photo reveals the difference in the nose area, as compared to that of BS289. The Supermarine conversion cowling was much neater than the makeshift Rolls-Royce variety, and the camouflage pattern in this area was entirely different. Note the two small blister fairings on the side of the upper cowling that betray this panel as a modified Mk.V item. Similar to BS289 this Spitfire featured the flat-sided cockpit hood and the headrest. The wing leading edge shows no sign of either the machine-gun ports or the fuel cooler air inlet. It seems that the latter item was not introduced until a lesson was learned from engines cutting out during fast climbing on hot summer days.
ENS68 one the initial batch of pre-production LF.IXs, converted by Rolls-Royce from Supermarine-built Mk. VC airframes, was the personal mount of Wg Cdr Al Deere, OC Biggin Hill Wing, during summer 1943. Whilst flying this Spitfire he was credited with an Fw 190 damaged on June 10, another destroyed on June 23, and yet another probable on July 14. Wg Cdr Deere seems to have been specially attracted by Rolls-Royce converted Mk.IXs, having previously scored in F.IXs BS556 (ex-Supermarine built Mk.VC airframe) and JK769 (ex-CBAF Mk.VC). In common with the late F.IX conversions, EN568 had no Aero-Vee filter and featured a standard Supermarine-style cowling with the panel joint line across the bottom section, immediately aft of the third fastener. Another item shared with Supermarine F.IXs was the fuselage roundel in the aft position. The limited green area on the side of the cowling, not reaching further forward than the oil filler cover, was typical for Rolls-Royce converted Spitfire IXs. Note the extremely worn finish of this aeroplane, with the huge amount of exhaust residue along the fuselage.
Peter Sledge's Spitfire Mk IX RR232 was “unveiled” at Bankstown Aerodrome, New South Wales, on October 14, 1984 to mark the 40th anniversary of its entry into RAF service. The restoration has taken 12 years. The engine is from a Lincoln.
Doug Arnold's Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX NH238/G-MKIX makes its public debut at West Mailing on August 26, 1984, piloted by Chris Bevan.
Spitfire AB197 was one of the two definitive prototypes of the Mk IX, converted in the spring of 1942 by Rolls-Royce from a Spitfire VC. Photographed in May 1942, it still bears early-style roundels.
AB197, the other of the two original Mk.IXs, during trials in early 1942, also with a black spinner. In these earliest conversions virtually every panel of the original Mk.V cowling was used, including the two bottom elements. The starboard 'bump' on the top cowling had the Heywood compressor air scoop on top of it, which gave it an even more bizarre appearance than the other one. Note the tear-drop shaped fairing over the cabin blower drive housing, on the side of the cowling immediately behind the propeller. Another noteworthy feature is the slant panel line between the fuel tank cover and the engine cowling. As shown here, this Spitfire did not carry the outer cannon, and such a configuration would become standard on all F.IXs. Unlike AB196, this Spitfire spent her entire life as a trials aircraft.
Одна из первых серийных "девяток", поступивших в боевую часть
The Supermarine Spitfire F.IX Single-seat Fighter (Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engine).
During the spring of 1944 No 118 used Spitfire IXs for long-range escort work for a time, one of these is seen at Detling carrying an external fuel tank.
A 64 Squadron Spitfire F.IX, coded 'SH-A'. This unit received several of the earliest ex-Mk.VC conversions for operational trials during June 1942, and was the first to complete conversion to the new Mark the following month. The starboard side shows compressor scoop and blower drive fairing similar to those on AB197, but this Spitfire features the fuel cooler and the changed panel lines of the makeshift cowling, in line with BS289. The Malcolm hood and no headrest are noteworthy, as is the absence of camera gun port in the starboard wing root.
A Spitfire IX with an early trial installation of four underwing 100lb rocket projectiles, with 60-lb (27-kg) heads.
Specialised Mouldings Ltd of Huntingdon handed over Spitfire IX replica “EN398” to the Imperial War Museum on August 16, 1985. The weatherproof replica will be on display at Duxford as a gate guardian.
Stephen Grey's Spitfire IX G-BJSG/ML417 took part in the D-Day celebrations across the Channel wearing its new World War Two colour scheme. It is seen here at Booker after its return.
Another widely-publicised shot that shows a number of interesting details. BS428, while tested at A&AEE in dive-bombing role, showed all the typical features of a very early Supermarine-production F.IX: the stubby carburettor air intake without a filter, the teardrop fairing over the cabin blower drive, the tiny fairings above the rear exhaust stacks (both sides of the cowling) and (not visible here) the wide blister fairings over cannon bays. The small opening on the side of the cowling, well aft and slightly below the cabin blower drive gear fairing, was the coolant header tank relief valve vent. Its low position here is typical for an aeroplane with a Merlin 61 engine. The other small outlet, located at the bottom edge of the top cowling well aft of the exhaust stacks, was the intercooler header tank vent. Retaining squadron markings was not unusual on aircraft tested at Boscombe Down. The codes on this Spitfire are those of 402 Squadron RCAF, one of the first units to have been equipped with Mk.IXs. Following the tests BS428 returned to another Canadian squadron, and then continued to serve with a number of units until scrapped in 1946. Although this F.IX was fitted with the experimental under-fuselage bomb rack as early as February 1943, it was not until the advent of the LF.IX that operational Mk.IX aircraft were used as fighter-bombers.
Spitfire IX 4590 at Horse Guard’s parade, which is also on show in the Battle of Britain Hall after many years ‘on the road’ with the RAF Exhibition Flight. [MAP] It carries the colours of 609 (West Riding) Squadron as ‘PR-F’ with which it served from October 1940 to February 1941.
Star of the Christie's auction, Adrian Swire's Spitfire IX MH434.
Supermarine Spitfire LF IX MK784, coded P.
The Spitfire IXC MK210 fitted with Mustang underwing tanks at Wright Field, Ohio, prior to its non-stop Atlantic crossing from Newfoundland, via Iceland, in September 20, 1944.
Spitfire IX AB505 fitted with a Merlin 77 and a Rotol six-bladed contra rotating propeller. Ballast had to be carried in the tail to counter the additional weight.
"Девятка" у специального "малозаметного" (не отбрасывающего тень) ангара
Stephen Gray’s Spitfire IX, ML417/G-BJSG made a 10min first flight at Booker on February 10, 1984, piloted by Tony Bianchi, who reported only “minimal” problems. Originally a single-seater, it was converted to a two-seater, becoming G-15-11 and then HS543 with the Indian Air Force. Its reconversion to a single-seater necessitated moving the cockpit back 13in.
A standard production Spitfire IXC, showing the Aero-Vee filter that was fitted as standard, for temperate or tropical use.
Истребитель "Спитфайр" IX. На таком самолете летал Дж. Джонсон
Three views of Spitfire IX MK753, of which, unusually, no career record appears to have survived.
Доживший до наших дней разоруженный "Спитфайр" IX на одном из авиационных шоу в Англии.
AB196, the first Spitfire VC converted to Mk.IX by Rolls-Royce at Hucknall. The port ‘bump’ over the intercooler is visible in this shot. It seems that the fuel cooler had not been fitted at the time this photo was taken, as there is no intake in the port wing root leading edge. Being a trials machine, this Spitfire retained the four-cannon armament. After prolonged testing, AB196 was allocated for squadron use during summer 1943, and then served with a number of units until struck off charge in July 1944.
Adrian Swire’s Booker-based Spitfire IX MH434, alias G-ASJV, was photographed some years ago by JOHN RIGBY, before it was given a revised colour scheme with invasion markings.
Spitfire HF. IXc N1882/MK297, photographed by JIM LARSEN several years ago, was G-ASSD before being sold to the Confederate Air Force in the USA.
Adrian Swire's Booker-based Spitfire IX, MH434/G-ASJV.
Ray Hanna put up his usual spirited performance in Adrian Swire's Spitfire IX G-ASJV/MH434
RICHARD COOK photograph of Spitfire IX MH434, flown by Ray Hannah, was taken from a Gnat over RAF Kemble in June 1978.
За штурвалом этого Spitfire LF.Mk IX находится Рассел Фоскет из 94-й эскадрильи британских ВВС. Самолет сопровождает бомбардировщики, середина 1944 года.
The Booker-based Spitfire IX MH434/G-ASJV photographed at Bex, Switzerland on August 24, 1980 by E. GANDET
Spitfire IX MH434 banks out of the valley near South Camp.
Surely a fake - but a skilfully contrived one: the illustration from Mr Herman's scrapbook.
Хотя для отправки за пределы метрополии был предназначен Spitfire Mk VIII, серьезная угроза со стороны Fw 190 и задержки с поставкой новых Spitfire привели к тому, что с декабря 1942 года на Средиземноморский ТВД отправились истребители Mk IX. На снимке - самолеты 241-й эскадрильи над Везувием, 1944 год.
A pair of Spitfire IXs of No 32 Squadron operating over the beach-head south of Rome in 1944.
Одной из первых Mk IX получила 611-я эскадрилья RAFe Бигген-Хиллс. Mk IX использовались для выполнения различных заданий, включая перехват самолетов-снарядов V-1.
Supermarine Spitfires seek out the enemy.
Six of “The Few” pictured together, perhaps for the only time. They are stationed at RAF Coltishall and make up the Battle of Britain Flight.
As this season’s first major UK airshow, the Fighter Meet attracted a splendid selection of newcomers to the British warbird scene - as well as plenty of old favourites. One of the new arrivals is Aces High’s camera-ship B-25 Mitchell, N1042B/44-30823, seen in this picture in a formation flypast with Hans Ditters’ Hispano Buchon D-FEHD and Ray Hanna’s Spitfire IX MH434. All three have been filming Piece of cake - the B-25 in particular being no stranger to film work, as it was operated for many years by Tallmantz Aviation in the USA.
Test and Delivery Spitfires lined up on the Castle Bromwich tarmac in 1943. Most of the aircraft are Spitfire IXs and are numbered in the NH serial range.
"Спитфайры" Mk.IX из 242-й эскадрильи на о.Корсика
A well-known shot of 152 Squadron Spitfire IXs and Vs at an Italian airfield in 1943. Note the distinctively dark appearance of the bottom colour on these aircraft. MA454 'UM-V' in the foreground had the early type tailplane/elevator, but the later, single-blister cannon covers. 'UM-Q', further down the line, was one of the first CBAF-built Mk.IXs (JL100 range), and featured the large double-blister covers. It is noteworthy that the camouflage colours on 'UM-Z' (at far left, serial also in MAxxx range) appear transposed.
"Спитфайры" Mk.IX на полевом аэродроме в Нормандии
RAF Spitfires on a southern France Landing strip during the Allied advance inland in 1944.
Typical mottle of Spitfire versions and colour schemes at an Italian airfield, probably Foggia, in 1944. 'GZ-M' (JF404) was a Spitfire VIII, while 'GZ-B' (MA631) and 'GZ-D' (probably MA802) were F.IXs. Both 'GZ-M' and 'GZ-B' were in Day Fighter (High Flying) Scheme of Medium Sea Grey on all upper surfaces, with PRU Blue undersides, marked with 'B' type national markings. 'GZ-D', on the other hand, was in standard Day Fighter scheme of Ocean Grey and Dark Green, with Medium Sea Grey bottom, and even with the Sky band around the rear fuselage. Not unusually for the Italian theatre, however, the codes on this Spitfire seem to be red or yellow, rather than Sky, and the propeller spinner is in a darker colour, too.
"Спитфайры" Mk.IX на итальянском аэродроме под Таранто.
"Спитфайры" Mk.IX на итальянском аэродроме под Таранто. Итальянец на "Макки" показывает проход на малой высоте.
В "девятке" на том же аэродроме вице-маршал ВВС Х.Бродхерст
Техники месят грязь на итальянской земле
Bombing-up a Supermarine Spitfire F.IX.E fighter-bomber with one 500-lb. and two 250-lb. bombs. The "E" armament consists of two 20 mm. cannon and two .50-in. machine-guns.
В качестве истребителя-бомбардировщика "Спитфайр" мог нести до 450 кг бомб (одну 500-фунтовую и две 250-фунтовых). Это первые официальные снимки "девяток"
A Supermarine Spitfire on an airstrip running through a Normandy cornfield.
Заправка "Спитфайра" из канистр перед вылетом. Нормандия.
"Спитфайр" пытается крылом сбить V-1 с курса на Лондон
Летчик Spitfire подвел крыло своего истребителя под крыло V-1 с целью вывести самолет-снаряд из равновесия. Истребители сбили 1847 ракет V-1, зенитчики - еще 2000.
One of the first Mk.IXs delivered to 349 (Belgian) Squadron in February 1944, Spitfire MJ294 was assigned to the Commanding Officer Sqn Ldr Du Monceau de Bergindal as 'GE-X'.
Шестой слева Дональд Кингба, одержавший первую победу на "девятке"
Отметку о тысячной победе авиакрыла делает командир 611-й эскадрильи Джек Чарльз
Castle Bromwich flight test staff take a breather to pose for a group photograph. The author, in white flying suit, is standing beneath the Spitfire's spinner.
Spitfire IX Bahrain III was one of a flight of six presented to the RAF by the Persian Gulf Spitfire Fund.
«Спитфайры» Mk.lX и авиамеханики 43-й аэ RAF из состава союзных оккупационных сил. Австрия, аэродром Клагенфурт. Фото периода 1945-1947 гг.
A Spitfire IX being serviced at the Vis forward base. The Partisans in the foreground provided local security! The dispersal points were cut out of a vineyard - some of which still remains in the picture.
Парни по ту сторону Канала требуют поддержки не только огнем - в подвесной бак истребителя вместо топлива заливают пиво. Париж будет взят!
No, not XXX depth-charges, but beer barrels attached to the bomb carriers of Spitfire IX MJ329, done mostly for propaganda purposes.
В "девятке" маршал ВВС сэр Артур Конингхэм
Fine study of an early Supermarine production F.IX, showing the most prominent features that distinguished this version from the Mk.V: the four-blade propeller and the rectangular radiator under the port wing. Note the fuel cooler intake in the port wing root leading edge and the absence of camera gun in the starboard wing root. The underfuselage conformal fuel tank was essential for Mk.IX operations over the Continent. This widely-publicised photo is one of a series taken in late 1942 of 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron, one of the first units to convert to Spitfire IXs. The officer on the wing is Flt Lt William Vernon Crawford-Compton, a New Zealander who scored most of his 20 victories flying Spitfire IXs. During his time with 611 Squadron he achieved most success in BR632, one of the earliest Rolls-Royce converted Mk.IXs.
Richard Beall of 421 Squadron RCAF pictured in mid-1943 by his usual mount, BR138 'AU-G' 'Skychief II'. Before being allocated for squadron use, this Spitfire had been used for comparison trials with AB196 at RAE Farnborough. Note the distinctive bump on top of the cowling, the non-standard panel lines, and the unusual shape of the oil filler cover immediately forward of the 'Red Indian' emblem. This photograph, published by Robert Bracken in his 'Spitfire: The Canadians', triggered a dispute on the early Mk.IX conversions, leading to this article.
Captain Francis Gabreski leaving the cockpit of a Spitfire F.IX, most probably BS410 'PK-E', during his exchange tour in 315 (Polish) Squadron in early 1943. Note the stencilling 'make sure door is locked before flight', applied in typical Supermarine style, in both upright and inverted positions, in the central section of the cockpit door.
Raymond Baxter, thirty years ago, seated in his Spitfire “Sylvia M” which he flew with 602 Squadron RAF.
The author enjoys a tea break in between testing Spitfires at Castle Bromwich.
First Officer Diana Barnato Walker, seen about to deliver a Spitfire IX, was the daughter of millionaire racing driver Woolf Barnato.
Bader gives himself a leg-up into a Spitfire in 1945.
An unidentified 118 Sqn pilot climbing in or out of a Spitfire named Patient Pat - so named because of the hammering it had taken.
Another group taken at RAF Church Stanton in October 1943. They are from l to r, Marcel Loran (later shot down over Germany at 25,000ft by flak!), “Duke” Warren, whose twin brother was in the same squadron, “Walt” Disney who was “A” Flight's commander and Tom Vance, an Australian Flying Officer known to his friends as “Killer” after having shot down three enemy aircraft in one day.
A group of 165 Sqn pilots in August 1943 photographed after returning from escorting Bostons to Amiens. On that trip “Sailor” Quinton baled out over the Channel and was later picked up and rejoined the squadron. Today he lives in Northampton. Those portrayed here are from l to r, “Johnny” an American pilot on an exchange posting, Bluey Hebron (from Brisbane, Australia), Bob Gourby (a Free French pilot who was later killed), Douglas Eva (now living in Rome) and Douglas Gilbert.
Bluey Hebron poses in front of his 165 Sqn Spitfire at Church Stanton in October 1943.
Джонсон запечатлен здесь со своей собакой Сэлли на крыле истребителя Spitfire Mk IXE, хорошо заметна маркировка, наносившаяся на крыло самолетов, принимавших участие в высадке союзников во Франции. В апреле-июле 1944 года Джонсон одержал 10 побед.
Armourer Flt Sgt Vic Hand with one of the squadron's newly-acquired Spitfire IXs.
An informal snapshot of 1st Officer Anna Leska (a Polish ferry pilot) taken at Northolt during summer 1943. The Spitfire in the background clearly displays both the fuel cooler intake in the port wing root, and the camera gun port in the starboard one.
Обслуживание винта "Спита"
Снаряжение пушки "Испано" на "Спитфайре" Mk.IX
Обслуживание "Спитфайра" Mk.IX в 317-й эскадрилье
Merlin 61 installation in an F.IX. It was the cabin blower drive housing, visible immediately aft of the propeller, that required the tear-drop fairing on the starboard cowling. The presence of the drive gear along the side of the engine resulted in the coolant header tank relief valve vent outlet being located rather low in this installation. Note the shape of the oil tank.
The Merlin 63 featured no cabin blower drive gear, so no fairing was needed and the coolant vent outlet was positioned somewhat higher. Note the different style of oil tank in this photo
Patient Pat being D.I'd by Cpl Parsons at RAF Ibsley in August 1942.
Ночная пристрелка бортового вооружения "Спитфайра"
Нанесение «полос вторжения» на истребитель «Спитфайр»
MK732 at Oldenburg or Aidhorn, repainted with D-Day invasion stripes.
Два самых знаменитых истребителя союзников на одном аэродроме: "Спитфайр" IX и P-51B "Мустанг"
Whose side are you on? Nearest the camera are three of the Hispano HA-1112 Buchons - essentially Merlin-powered Messerschmitt Bf 109s built under licence in Spain - used for filming, alongside a pair of Spitfires. The Buchons carry RAF camouflage and markings (note the underwing roundel on the nearest) as these three were used to make up the numbers during the memorable Polish Hurricane squadron training sequence.
«Спитфайр» Mk.lXc Станислава Скальски взлетает с аэродрома в Тунисе.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX EN315/ZX-6 из состава звена "С" 145-й авиаэскадрильи, на котором обычно летал Скальский. Самолетов было меньше чем пилотов, и ни один из Spitfire не был приписан к конкретному летчику. Служба в Африке принесла Скальскому славу, так же как и группе польских пилотов, которую скоро стали называть "Цирк Скальского".
'Skalski's Circus' about to scramble in late April 1943, with EN315 'ZX-6' in the foreground. Note that outer cannon stubs on this Spitfire lacked the usual blunt fairings. Interestingly, sister ship EN314, which never left Britain, displayed the same flat outer stubs. Curiously, it is hard to discern any disruptive camouflage pattern on EN315, the prominent spill on the main fuel tank cover being the most distinctive patch of a different shade. It is unlikely that the camouflage colours were so faded and worn after merely a month's service. Neither can the strange shades be attributed to lighting conditions or photographic material, as the next Spitfire in line shows the standard camouflage quite clearly. In fact, the apparent lack of contrast between colours on the upper surfaces and the much lighter bottom colour on EN315 correspond to the tones seen in some monochrome photos of Temperate Land/Sky combination. Was this one of those Mk.IXs used in the Mediterranean in such a scheme? Whatever her colours, EN315 was flown by virtually every member of the Polish flight, and was used to score six kills, two probables and two damaged in the hands of five different pilots.
306-я эскадрилья RAF, укомплектованная польскими пилотами, в 1943 году базировалась в Нортхолте и осуществляла дневные полеты на поиск и уничтожение вражеских самолетов над оккупированной Европой. На снимке летчики эскадрильи у Spitfire Mk IXC (1942г ???).
A typical early Supermarine-built Spitfire IX. The unmodified tailplane/elevator and rectangular rear-view mirror were common to all aircraft of this variant from the parent makers. Double blister covers on wing cannon bays were fitted to most Mk.IXs from Supermarine, as well as to early F.IXs from Castle Bromwich. Two tiny fairings on both edges of the top cowling above the exhaust stacks, peculiar to early Supermarine-built F.IXs in the BR and BS range can just be made out. This particular Spitfire, BS459 UZ-T of 306 (Polish) Squadron at Northolt, featured in a series of photos taken with 306 Squadron pilots in late 1942. This aeroplane was lost on January 26, 1943, killing the pilot, in a collision with another Mk.IX, the latter flown by Wg Cdr Stefan Janus, OC Northolt Wing, who consequently became a PoW.
Летчики «Цирка Скальски». Сам Скальски справа сидит на крыле «Спитфайра». Тунис, весна 1943 г.
Another Spitfire F.IX at Northolt, this time MA304 'RF-H' of 303 Squadron in June 1943. Note that this CBAF-built aeroplane featured the later, single-blister cannon bay covers, but retained the older-style horizontal tail surfaces. The 'hump' on the engine cowling is prominent in this view.
The cockpit of a 316 Squadron Spitfire F.IX receives the attention of groundcrew. The CBAF provenance of this aeroplane is betrayed by no less than three elements of the finish: the camouflage pattern on the nose, the way the warning note has been applied inside the cockpit door, and the position of the fuselage roundel relative to the radio hatch and the IFF socket inlet.
Another Spitfire from the same batch as BR138, BR143 ‘SZ-Q’ of 316 (Polish) Squadron RAF, being refuelled at Northolt in the spring of 1943. Note the cowling 'bump' behind the ground crew. The reinforcing bars over the wheel well have usually been only associated with 'A' and 'B' wings, but the large double blister over the cannon bay leaves no doubt as to the identity of the 'C' wing here. This Spitfire suffered an accident in April 1943, and the round rear-view mirror was probably fitted during repair, as there is an earlier photograph of this aeroplane with the older rectangular one.
Сквадрон лидер Витольд Реттингер - командир 308-й эскадрильи "Краков". Бельгия, 1944г.
Pleasant scene at Northolt: Sgt Tadeusz Jankowski with his daughter Haneczka pictured by LZ989 'SZ-J' of 316 Squadron (the aircraft is positively identifiable by the personal emblem under the windscreen). One of the first Mk.IXs to leave the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, this Spitfire shows the two panel joint lines on the nose cowling associated with that maker: one across the bottom between the second and third fasteners, and one across the top above the first exhaust stack. Also the camouflage layout on the nose is very typical for the CBAF production
Fg Off Leopold Zakrzewski in front of BR143 'SZ-Q'. Note how the shape of the oil filler cover was different from that on the BR138. Also the bottom cowling fastener forward of this cover was rather unusual. BR143 was lost to Focke-Wulfs on June 17, 1943.
Sqn Ldr Kazimierz Rutkowski, OC 306 (Polish) Squadron, photographed in front of a unit Spitfire F.IX, most probably EN128 'UZ-N', in January 1943 at Northolt. This picture shows to advantage the standard Supermarine panel joint line across the bottom cowling immediately aft of the third fastener, where two metal sheets were riveted together. The fuel cooler intake is also clearly shown. Note the distinctive exhaust residue on the side of the fuselage. It would be interesting to hear from Merlin specialists about the reasons of such marked discolorations on many early Spitfire IXs.
Flt Off Adam Sworniowski (left) with an unidentified pilot in front of a Spitfire F.IX of 315 Squadron, possibly EN171 'PK-C. The aeroplane is in a rather unusual colour scheme, with the bottom painted distinctively darker than one of the upper colours. Had the photo not been taken at a UK-based unit, one could take the scheme to be Desert, with Azure or Light Mediterranean Blue undersides
Photographed in January 1945 at Coltishall, this 303 Squadron Spitfire, featuring Vokes Aero-Vee filter, standard cowling, enlarged horn-balance elevators, and IFF aerial under the starboard wing, could easily pass for an LF.IX or HF.IX, if not for the unmistakable fuel cooler air intake in the port wing root. This F.IX is believed to be EN367, a Supermarine-built Mk.VC converted by Rolls-Royce at Hucknall. Interestingly, the Spitfire still retained the original rectangular rear-view mirror by that time. The disruptive camouflage pattern included a very light shade of grey. The colour layout on the port engine cowling looks typical for a Rolls-Royce converted F.IX.
Ground crew member of 318 (Polish) Squadron working on a Spitfire F.IX. The shape of the standard air intake fairing of this variant, which only remotely resembled that of the Mk.V, is shown to advantage. Note that the fuel cooler inlet in the wing root has been patched over. It is not clear whether this means the cooler unit has been removed, or just unused, as the squadron never operated at high altitudes. No.318 was a fighter-reconnaissance squadron operating in Italy, and typically for that theatre it operated a colourful mix of Spitfire VBs, VCs (some tropicalised), F.IXs, LF.IXs, and even HF.IXs in tactical recce and ground attack roles.
Spitfire F.IX EN173 'RF-C' of 303 (Polish) Squadron photographed during servicing at Northolt on June 24, 1943. The nose looks rather 'humpy', contradicting the widespread notion that such shape of the upper cowl was only associated with later LF.IX aircraft. Note that the bottom of this Spitfire is markedly darker than the upper colour which occupies the place of Ocean Grey. EN173 was lost to Fw 190s on September 24, 1943.
"Девятка" польской эскадрильи
Бомбы вешают на "девятки" из 317-й эскадрильи "Вильно". 1945г.
MA706 of 318 (Polish) Squadron in Northern Italy during winter 1944/1945 is a more or less typical example of an F.IX at the end of the war. The Vokes Aero-Vee filter and the late-style IFF aerial under the port wing are probably both retro-fits. The redesigned elevator with enlarged horn balance had most likely been fitted to this Spitfire at the factory, but had it not, by that time it might have been retrofitted, anyway. This particular aircraft had the stub outer cannon fairings removed and faired over, to obtain a smooth wing leading edge. Judging by the fact that the Sky fuselage band and the yellow strip along the wing leading edge have been retained, this Spitfire must have been left in the Day Fighter painting scheme, even though the contrast between upper surface colours seems rather low in the poor winter light. Note what appears to be a white ring surrounding the base of the propeller. In accordance with theatre regulations, the spinner was to be red. In most cases only the easily removable spinner cone was repainted, while the backplate of the propeller hub was usually left in the factory-applied Sky finish. To repaint this narrow portion as well one would have to either carefully mask the forward engine cowling, or disassemble the entire propeller! The FK-coded Spitfire in the background is a mystery. Officially this code was assigned to 219 Squadron which at that time flew Mosquitoes over Western Europe!
Fitters of 316 (Polish) Squadron at the starboard wing root of a squadron Spitfire, working on the camera gun.
"Спитфайр" IX из состава "Свободной Франции"
"Спитфайр" с опознавательными знаками ВВС Франции
Истребитель "Спитфайр" F.Mk.IXc, на котором П.Клостерман одержал свои первые победы
Машины из 341-й (французской) эскадрильи, август 1944г. На крыльях и фюзеляже нанесены "полосы вторжения"
"Спитфайр" HF IX французской истребительной группы 2/7 "Ницца" (бывшая 326-я эскадрилья)
Французы вместе с англичанами празднуют 1000-ю победу своей эскадрильи
Дозаправка французской "девятки" на полевом аэродроме
Австралийские пилоты где-то в Англии
Обслуживание "Спита" австралийской эскадрильи на передовом аэродроме в Нормандии
Spitfires of the R.C.A.F. "City of Windsor" Squadron in Italy. This squadron was the only all-Canadian air unit to have served overseas from 1940 to the final victory in Europe.
Supermarine Spitfires of a Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron serving with the Second Tactical Air Force in Holland.
Examples of the two principal fighters which served in the Second Tactical Air Force during 1944-45 - the Spitfire and Hawker Typhoon - sit side-by-side at B4 Beny-sur-Mer in Normandy, with the distinctive spire of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in the nearby village as a backdrop. The Spitfire, coded VZ-Z, belongs to No 412 Sqn RCAF, while the unidentified Typhoon undergoes field maintenance on its Napier Sabre engine.
Canadian groundcrew pose alongside bomb-armed Spitfire Y2-L of No 442 Sqn RCAF at B88 Heesch, south-west of Nijmegen in Holland, in January 1945. The unit moved back to the UK to re-equip with Mustangs two months later.
Flight Lieutenant William R. McRae beside a Spitfire during his tenure with No 401 Sqn RCAF. Born in Scotland in 1919, Bill moved with his parents to Canada in 1922. After training on Tiger Moths and Harvards, he gained his wings in Canada in April 1941.
“Left a bit” - Spitfire VZ-H of No 412 Sqn RCAF taxies out at B80 Volkel with a full bomb load of a single 500-pounder on the centreline and a pair of 250 lb general purpose bombs on the wings, plus a helpful guide on the starboard wing to warn the pilot of any upcoming obstacles.
Each armed with a single 500 lb bomb on the centreline, four Spitfire Mk IXs of No 401 Sqn RCAF prepare to take off on another divebombing sortie. The unit operated from RAF Tangmere in the run-up to D-Day, moving to the airstrip at B4 Beny-sur-Mer, near Caen in Normandy, on June 18, 1944. The standard Mk III 500 lb bomb used on these sorties had a diameter of 13in (33cm) and a total length, including the tail, of 69in (175cm).
Canadian armourers prepare to load a Mk III Medium Capacity 500 lb bomb on to a Spitfire Mk IX of No 126 Wing RCAF. The 500 lb general purpose Mk III was originally designed to be dropped horizontally and not from an aircraft in a dive.
Подполковник Роджерс - командир 40-й эскадрильи южноафриканских ВВС на фоне "Спитфайра" IX (Италия)
Четырехпушечные "Спитфайры" из состава юаровской эскадрильи
Подготовка "Спитфайра" эскадрильи южноафриканских ВВС
Ex South African Air Force Spitfire IX LZ842 is being restored to airworthy standards at Point Cooke RAAF Base, Victoria, Australia. Owner is Peter Sledge of Sydney.
MK732 in a hangar at RAF Bicester in August 1971.
"Девятка" 4-й эскадрильи южно-африканских ВВС на Сицилии в сентябре 1943г.
Flown each day of the display by Alan Lurie, Spitfire LF.IXE PT672 was rebuilt from scrap by a team headed by Larry Barnett and is painted to represent the aircraft flown by the present Chief of the S.A.A.F., Lieut.-General R. H. Rogers, when he served with No. 40 Squadron, S.A.A.F., in Italy in W.W.II
The Spitfire IX Evelyn, owned by South African Larry Barnett, is seen over Johannesburg's skyscrapers. An American collector recently bid £200,000 for the aircraft, which was virtually rebuilt from the ground up.
Spitfire LFIX PV260/BR601/5361 is owned by the South African Metal and Machinery Co of Salt River, Cape Province. Rebuilt by the Atlas Aircraft Company apprentices' school, it wears the codes of No 2 Squadron, South African Air Force.
Ремонт норвежских "девяток"
Members of Tito’s forces being trained by the RAF in Italy in 1944.
Spitfire из 607-й эскадрильи "County of Durham" запечатлены на аэродроме в Импхале - на заднем плане можно видеть, как B-25 из ВВС Армии США готовятся к вылету на задание. После завоевания господства в воздухе Spitfire были переориентированы на роль истребителей-бомбардировщиков для поддержки союзных войск в Бирме.
The Castle Bromwich flight test crew. From left to right, Flt Lt Jim Rosser, the author, Olaf Ulstad and Venda Jicha with Lancaster HK535 behind flanked by two Spitfires.
The Castle Bromwich Flight Shed and apron with 43 Spitfires, four Lancasters, an Oxford and a Boston visible. The author's flight office can be seen on the corner of building.
Nick Grace’s newly-restored Hispano Buchon at Duxford on May 10, 1988, sporting its civil registration in temporary black tape over Bf 109 colours. Behind G-BOML is Doug Arnold’s Spitfire IX, NH238.
US
На "Спитфайрах" - "пятерках" и "девятках", поставляемых по "обратному ленд-лизу" - сражались также и американские асы. И хотя большинство своих побед они одержали уже после "пересадки" на "Мустанги", первые, самые важные победы были одержаны именно на "Спитах"
"Спитфайры" 31-й группы "встречают" первые поступившие в группу "Мустанги". 10 марта 1944г.
С апреля 1943г. 31-я истребительная группа стала получать "девятки"
Командир 31-й группы подполковник Фрэнк Хилл после высадки на Сицилии
Lt John Fawcett of 309th Fighter Squadron 31st Fighter Group USAAF and his Spitfire F.IX MH894 'WX-JJ', named 'Lady Ellen III' after the pilot's wife. The aircraft was one of the very last F.IXs manufactured, but still had the original air intake without the Vokes Aero-Vee, so the Americans fitted the simple filter developed by their maintenance men. Although the finish (Day Fighter scheme with Medium Sea Grey undersides) was neither fresh nor clean when the photo was taken, the CBAF-style camouflage pattern on the nose is evident. The white rectangle under the windscreen was the typical USAAF panel containing the names of the pilot and his ground crew.
Лучший американский ас на "Спитфайрах" Сильван Фелд из состава 4-й эскадрильи, имевший 9 побед
Пилоты в ожидании сигнала "на взлет"
France
Seafire морской авиации Франции, но она также использовала 20 Spitfire Mk IX в качестве учебных машин. На снимке тропический вариант Mk IXE
Истребители-бомбардировщики LF Mk.IX из состава GC I/4 французских ВВС наносят удар по позициям коммунистов "где-то в Индокитае" (над побережьем в районе Нха Транга). Под консолями самолетов хорошо видны 250-фунтовые (113,5-кг) бомбы. Французы использовали Spitfire на Дальнем Востоке на протяжении пяти лет, начиная с 1945 года. На некоторое время в аренду у британских ВВС были взяты Mk VIII, пока им на смену не пришли Mk IX.
Spitfire Mk IX из эскадрилий GC I/3 "Navarre" и GC II/3 "Champagne" на аэродроме На-Транг в 1950 году. К концу года Spitfire ВВС Франции покинули Индокитай.
Netherlands
Spitfire Mk IX LFBs of No 322 Dutch Squadron, of No 132 Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force on B.79 airfield at Woensdregt early in 1945. On the left is Spitfire 3WK, probably replacing the aircraft borrowed by the author.
MK732/H-25/3W-17 with 322 Sqn RNethAF in June 1952 with J. F. E. Breman at the controls.
Боевой "Спитфайр" голландских ВВС - участник "полицейских акций" в Индонезии.
Turkey
A Spitfire LF Mk IXE in service with the Turkish Air Force.
A lineup of Turkish Spitfire IXs (nearest camera) and Vs is shown above.
Photographs supplied by Mr Ken Rutterford show Spitfire Mk IXs ML181 (left) and RR182 (right) whilst being prepared for despatch to Turkey in 1947/48.
Denmark
Spitfire Mk IXE использовались ВВС Дании как боевые и учебные машины до 1955 года.
Egypt
Истребитель "Спитфайр" Mk.IX ВВС Египта
REAF Spitfire 664 in its pen at El-Arish, late December 1948.
REAF Spitfire 9 664 captured by an Israeli force at the dispersal airstrip of Bir Lahfan on December 29, 1948. Unlike REAF Spitfire 9s earlier in the Palestine War, this had a local version of a Middle Eastern or desert camouflage scheme, with dark earth and mid-stone upper surfaces, and azure blue lower surfaces. REAF roundels on the wings lacked the crescent and stars while the individual code letter was on the starboard side of the fuselage only. Spitfire 664 is only known to have flown one sortie during the Palestine War, on October 18, 1948.
Egyptian pilots and the last flight of Spitfire 9s handed over the REAF, pictured at the British Maintenance Unit at Abu Qir in northern Egypt, on September 18, 1946. In green and grey European camouflage, they carried Egyptian national markings but lacked serial numbers
A probably 'staged' photograph taken at al-Arish, showing members of the REAF's Tactical Air Force welcoming back a pilot, perhaps Abu Zaid (second from right). Note the green-white-green colouring added to the Spitfire's spinner.
REAF pilots at al-Arish shortly before the outbreak of the Palestine War. Standing from left to right: Mahmud Baraka [?], Jamal Irfan, Abd al-Rahman Inan, Ali Sharmi and Tahir Zaki; kneeling: Khalil al-Arusi. In the background is one of the REAF's Spitfire 9s.
Shalabi al-Hinnawi and a colleague on the wing of a remarkably battered and oil-streaked REAF Spitfire 9 at al-Arish, late in 1948.
Shalabi al-Hinnawi, wearing a leather flying jacket, and four of his colleagues with a Spitfire 9s at al-Arish, autumn or early winter of 1948. Note that the spinner is painted green and white.
Sqn Ldr Baldwin of the RAF (centre) with four REAF pilots and Ahd al-Ra’uf, a more senior REAF officer, during one of the training courses at al-Ballah a few months after the Palestine War. Note the differing styles of green-white-green spinners on the Egyptian Spitfire 9s in the background.
Sqn Ldr Abd al-Hamid Abu Zaid with his favourite Spitfire 9 (probably 646) at al-Arish during the Second UN Truce, summer 1948. The markings painted on the side of the fuselage (see close-up) consist of, from the top: six Gladiators, indicating the combat sorties Abu Zaid flew during the World War Two; Matar Aqir (Tel Nov air base) with two bombs and two aircraft destroyed on the ground; Tel Aviv with six bombs; Matar Tel Aviv (Sde Dov air base) with five bombs and an aircraft destroyed on the ground; Matar Bayt Hikma (unidentified airfield) with three bombs; Musta'marah Shaydum (unidentified 'Colony') with five bombs and three armoured cars or tanks; Musta'marah Kafr Brayr (Colony of Brayr [?]) with five bombs and three armoured cars or tanks; Musta'marah Negba (Colony of Negba) with four bombs; Musta'marah Dayr Sunaid (Colony of Day Sunaid; Yad Mordechai) with five bombs; Musta'marah Danjun (Colony of Danjun [?]) with two bombs.
Shalabi al-Hinnawi in the cockpit of a battered REAF Spitfire 9 at al-Arish, late 1948.
A Spitfire 9 in REAF markings, but still with the RAF serial number EN314, at 107 MU, in Kasfarit, Egypt, in 1947. British records indicate that this was one of several Spitfires caught by the British arms embargo and that it was never handed over to the Egyptians.
A REAF Spitfire (681, 682 or 683) in 1950. This was one of the last Mk.9s to be aquired by Egypt after the Palestine War, and was used as an advanced trainer.
A Spitfire 9 in REAF markings on its delivery flight from the UK, pictured at Luqa, Malta, early in 1948. This was probably one of the last Mk.9 to be handed over before the arms embargo.
An REAF Spitfire which put down at Faid, one of several REAF aircraft forced to land at British airfields in the Suez Canal Zone in late December 1948 or early January 1949. It could be the aircraft flown by Tahir Zaki, which had to land at Faid on December 29, having escorted a daylight mission by a Short Stirling.
Spitfire 9s and their Avro Lancaster ‘mother ship’ after arriving in Egypt at the end of their delivery flight from the UK, in late 1947 or early 1948.
An Israeli raiding force initially captured a second REAF Spitfire 9 under camouflage netting rather than in a blast pen at the al-Riash dispersal strip. They were driven out of the area before it could be taken back to Israel, so they burned it instead.
A British reconnaissance photograph of REAF Spitfire 9 664 being towed to Israel behind an Israeli Army vehicle on January 1,1949.
REAF Spitfire 664 being towed along the Abu Ageila-Nitzana road by its Israeli captors. Probably photographed from an RAF Spitfire FR.XVIII on January 1,1949.
A pair of REAF Spitfires sweeps over Tel Aviv to attack the Israeli air base of Sde Dov. Thought taken on May 17, 1948.
An REAF Spitfire attacking an Israeli Army column near Rafah in north-eastern Sinai during the final days of the Palestine War.
Czechoslovakia
Two photographs of Spitfire Mk IXEs in post-war service with the Czechoslovak Air Force. The finish is standard RAF camouflage and in the photo, left, the original serial number is retained in the standard position (also note the aircraft beyond, with the earlier, unpointed, rudder). In the photo, right, of an aircraft of No 312 Squadron (at RAF Odiham in 1947) the serial is in small white letters/numerals on the rudder.
Когда Британия начала реорганизацию своих вооруженных сил после окончания войны, ее бывшим союзникам стали доступны лишние самолеты RAF. Наиболее доступные истребители Mk IX и XVI были поставлены Бельгии, Чехословакии (на снимке), Дании, Франции, Нидерландам и Норвегии. Кроме того, Бельгия и Нидерланды также получили Mk XIV с моторами Griffon, а Дания и Норвегия - небольшое число разведчиков Mk XI.
Истребитель Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.IXe в послевоенной окраске 312 Чехословацкого дивизиона RAF.
Проданные Чехословакией Израилю "Спитфайры" во время перелета на Ближний Восток совершали промежуточные посадки в Югославии и несли опознавательные знаки этой страны
Spitfire SL632 was IDF/AF 2011 flown by 'Dani' Shapira in Operation ‘Velveta 2’. It is seen here in Yugoslavia wearing Yugoslav Air Force markings which were used for the flight from Czechoslovakia as demanded by the Yugoslav authorities
Israel
Этот "Спитфайр" Mk.IX израильтяне использовали для ведения разведки
A Spitfire ‘10’ was the first Israeli Spitfire D-130 and later 2001. It was probably photographed at Hatzor air base in late 1948 or early 1949.
Знаменитый "Спитфайр" (борт D-130), собранный израильскими умельцами из деталей списанных машин
D-130 on the morning of its first flight, July 23,1948 with Canadian engineer David Panar standing on the port wing, briefing the pilot in the cockpit (Senior?) while Ezer Weizman is standing just to the starboard of the cockpit. Note the different colours of the fuselage and the engine cowling which were probably mater together from the remains of two Spitfires. It is therefore amazing that the aircraft flew 'hands off' without any trim adjustment!
Pilot Aaron ‘Red’ Finkel with his Spitfire at Yugoslavia in December 1948.
‘Dani’ Shapira, George Lichter and ‘Moti’ Hod, Yugoslavia, December 1948. Notes centre and wing tanks.
One of the first five Israeli Spitfires having an engine run under a camouflage net at Hertzeliya in the summer of 1948.
Meir Ruff in the cockpit of a 101 Squadron Spitfire in 1949.
David Panar, right, and Joe Schmeltz congratulate each other after the successful first flight of D-130.
‘Dani’ Shapira (top) and ‘Moti’ Hod pose with a Spitfire at Niksic in December 1948.
'Bill' Pomerantz pose in front of a Spitfire at Hertzeliya circa October 1948.
D-130 under Eucalyptus trees at Ma’abarot with open ammunition doors underneath its wings.
IDF/AF 22 Wing test pilot Captain Aryeh Leslie Ostrofwas killed on August 22, 1955, when Spitfire UB435 crashed during a test flight.
The first Israeli Spitfire, D-130, with Canadian engineer David Panar briefing a pilot in the cockpit. As not all of the instruments were available some spots in the instrument panel were left empty!
Spitfire 2042 was overhauled to zero hours by Bedek as part of the ten ‘Orez B’ aircraft. It was originally one of two Israeli Spitfires used for photographic reconnaissance.
Spitfire 2015 ‘23’ was ferried to Israel by ‘Sandy’ Jacobs on December 30,1948 but failed to participate in the Israeli War of Independence as it only entered 101 Squadron service in February 1949. It has been reported that this aircraft was lost in an accident in July 1949.
IDF/AF Spitfire 2048 was cannibalised for spare parts by Bedek for the overhaul of the ten ‘Orez B’ aircraft.
Spitfire 2002 ‘11’ with a damaged propeller after Israeli Tibi Ben-Shachar damaged the wing of Yeshayahu Shaya Gazit in a mid-air collision on April 6, 1949. Both Ben-Shachar and Gazit graduated their flying course on March 14, 1949 together with Daniel ‘Dani’ Shapira and Mordechai ‘Mod’ Hod. Following the receipt of their wings, the four pilots attended an OTU with 101 Squadron and on April 6,1949 ‘Syd’ Antin led them into a cloud during a rain storm causing Ben Shachar’s propeller to collide with the underside of Gazit’s port wing. Both pilots landed safely and made distinguished careers in the IDF/AF but Spitfire 2002 was probably withdrawn from use in 1950.
A weathered camouflaged IDF/AF Spitfire in the early 1950s still carrying the Operation ‘Velveta 2’ badge of a stork delivering a Spitfire.
Caeser Morton Dangott and his Spitfire at Yugoslavia in December 1948. The badge under the cockpit was a stork carrying a Spitfire and it was the badge of Operation ‘Velveta’ 2 but not the badge of an IDF/AF squadron as was later alleged.
Two of the Spitfires en route to Israel on December 23,1948. Note the open canopy of the nearest Spitfire which might be 2009.
Between 1948 and 1955 around 90 Spitfires (mostly LF.IXEs and LF.XVIs) served with three IAF squadrons. Many came from Czechoslovakia, others from Italy. Spitfire LF IXEs are seen here. The Czech Spitfires were flown to Israel in September 1948; others were assembled from spares.
Пара Mk IX из 101-й эскадрильи ВВС Израиля сопровождает бомбардировщик B-17 из 69-й эскадрильи, январь 1949 года. Израильские Spitfire одержали ряд побед над самолетами египетских и британских ВВС.
Spitfires ‘17’ and ‘18’ photographed by David Farer just under the wing of the escorted B-17.
В дневное время израильские B-17 летали под охраной "Спитфайров".
Spitfires ‘17’ and ‘18 ’ escort B-17 1602 as photographed by David Farer from a second B-17.
No.105 Squadron Spitfires 43, 35, 55 and 12 in flight. Note the different type of serial number on 2035. Of these four fighters only the leader’s, 2043, was exported to Burma.
Spitfire 2016 ‘21’ in a low level pass over Hatzor air base in 1949. This particular aircraft had a short but colourful career in IDF/AF service. It was ferried to Israel by Aaron 'Red' Finkel on December 26,1948 and entered 101 Squadron service on January 5,1949. Two days later it participated in the air combat versus RAF Tempests but on September 28, 1949 test pilot ‘Sy’ Feldman had to bale-out of 2016 after a fused bomb refused to depart its bomb carrier during a bombing test. It was the first successful bale-out in the history of the IDF/AF
The first Bedek hangar under construction in 1954 - though a Beech Bonanza, an Airspeed Consul and a Boeing PT-17, as well as a Spitfire, can be seen inside the yet-to-be completed structure.
The Bedek hangar at Lod IAP was still under construction when the Burmese Spitfires were either prepared for delivery or overhauled to zero hours.
In mid-1949 101 Squadron moved to Ramat-David air base where this photo was taken. Parked nearest to the camera Spitfire 2003 arrived at that same air base from Czechoslovakia in September 1948.
Air-to-ground of 2058, exported to Burma as UB439. Note the outline of the Auster or Cub that took the shot!
Unusual angle on a line-up of Spitfires at Ramat-David, March 1952; 2050 is on the left.
No.105 Squadron Spitfires 50, 52 and 54, part of an 18 Spitfire line-up on the runway at Ramat-David on March 20, 1952, to celebrate the graduation of an OTU. Spitfires 2050 and 2052 were exported to Burma as UB436 and UB446 respectively.
A line-up of 101 Squadron Spitfires at Ramat-David. The condition of the IDF/AF Spitfires was not good, as illustrated. The second aircraft, 2024, was exported to Burma as UB421 while the first aircraft is most likely call sign ‘33’ and not Spitfire 2033, which was also exported to Burma.
Spitfire 2017 ‘17’ later in its service career when it served with 105 Squadron in the OTU role. Originally it served with 101 Squadron as ‘20’.
Spitfire 2050 parked on the runway at Ramat-David air base during the graduation of another OTU course.
Camouflaged Spitfire ‘12’ parked in a line-up of bare metal finished Spitfires at Ramat-David air base where the wheels of Spitfire D-132 - which became 2002 ‘12’ - first touched on Israeli soil in September 1948.
Line up of ex-Czech Spitfire LF.IXEs after delivery to the IAF. Top surfaces were camouflaged; the national insignia was blue on a white disc and the rudder stripes were red and white.
No. 105 Squadron OTU instructors, their five UBAF trainees and the squadron’s ground crew at Ramat-David in the winter of 1954/55. CO Captain Moshe Tadmor is standing in the centre, Captain Ran Sharon is standing first on the right.
The five UBAF pilots that attended the IDF/AF 105 Squadron OTU in the winter of 1954/55 at Ramat-David with the Israeli instructors.
Burma
The first major export contract won by Bedek was the sale of 30 ex-IDF/AF Spitfires to Burma. Shown just prior to departure from Israel, UB422, UB450 and UB442 were the last to be delivered and were ferried from Israel to Burma during October 9-18, 1955.
Spitfire UB436 on its third long-legged delivery flight, staging through Sharjah on its way to Burma.
The Spitfire in question, Mk.IX UB422 at Sharjah en route to Burma.
UB432, also while staging through Sharjah.
Бирма использовала 30 Spitfire Mk lX вместе с 20 Seafire Mk XV со снятым морским оборудованием на протяжении 1950-х годов.
Several ex-IDF' AF(Israel) Spitfire 16s were en route to the Union of Burma Air Force when photographed recently in the Middle East.
Readying UB443 and another at Sharjah.
Spitfire UB443 serves as a background to an Israeli family photo in Burma. This aircraft was an ex-Czechoslovak Air Force aircraft which was flown to Israel in December 1948 as IDF/AF 2010.
Russia
"Спитфайр" LF.IX во время испытаний в НИИ ВВС. Весна 1945г.
"Спитфайр" LF.IX в полете
MJ858 was an early LF.IX, used for testing modified cockpit hoods. The hood seems to be hinged upwards on the top edge of the windscreen, probably for bale-out. The actual purpose or technical details of this modification are obscure.
"Девятки" в составе 802-го полка ПВО на аэродроме под Полтавой, прикрывающие американские базы для челночных налетов
Pilots and ground-crews of the 26 Gu.IAP, LPVO, photographed in April 1945 in front of the unit's Spitfire LF Mk IXEs.
Летчики 83-го ГИАП ПВО возле своих "спитфайров", осень 1945г.
Летчики-истребители ПВО перед "Спитфайром" LF.IX
A group of officers pose in front of a strikingly-decorated LF.IX of a fighter unit, probably after a decoration ceremony. The time is probably spring or summer 1945.
Один из двух высотных "Спитфайров" HF.IX, поставленных в Советский Союз, на испытаниях в НИИ ВВС
И.Качоровский в своем "Спитфайре" LF-IX
Пилот В.Рыбин (11-й гв.иап. ПВО) у своего "Спитфайра" LF IX
Civil
Последний бельгийский "Спитфайр" (начинавший свою карьеру еще в 222-й эскадрилье британских ВВС)
The photograph, taken in June 1964 by Richard Riding, shows Tim Davies' Spitfire IX, G-ASJV/MH434, shortly after he purchased it from COGEA in Belgium, where it flew as OO-ARA. In 1968 'JV was sold to Grp Capt Hamish Mahaddie and featured in the film Battle of Britain. Today this Spitfire is owned by Adrian Swire and is based at Wycombe Air Park.
Supermarine Spitfire IX G-ASJV was photographed by RICHARD RIDING in the late 'sixties, when it was owned by Tim Davies. Now owned by Adrian Swire, it flies as MH434.
One of Richard s favourite aerial photographic sorties was on June 7, 1964, when Tim Davies, owner of Spitfire IX G-ASJV (and subsequent longstanding friend), invited him to capture "Juliet Victor" frolicking above the clouds while up from its base at Elstree - a location that remained special to Richard throughout his life.
Beverley Snook taking off from Panshangar, Herts in June 1961 in Spitfire IX OO-ARE at the start of the London-Cardiff Air Race. An hour later the Spitfire was damaged at Exeter when fuel vapour trapped in the starboard wing leading edge ignited and exploded. OO-ARE previously operated with the Belgian COGEA company. Note the clipped wings.
Stephen Gray's Spitfire IX, ML417, during an engine run at Booker in December 1983. Personal Plane Services hoped to fly the aircraft “early in the new year”.
Основное вооружение "Спитфайров": 7,7-мм и 12,7-мм пулеметы "Браунинг" и 20-мм пушки "Испано" с коротким и длинным стволом
Mk.XVI
Опытный "Спитфайр" XVI в полете
"Шестнадцатый" с подрезанными законцовками крыла
A trio of 601 Squadron Spitfires LFXVle up from Hendon in July 1947.
Spitfire L.F.Mk.16, SL721, in company with a two-seat P-51D Mustang, N2U2, photographed by Howard Levy. The Spitfire has since returned to England and is now owned by Doug Arnold as G-BAUP.
The Sea Fury in company with Bill Ross’s Spitfire Mk.16, flying over St. Louis in May 1971. The photographer, Paul Neuman, was flying in a Grumman Avenger.
Spitfire L.F.XVI, G-BAUP, photographed while in American hands.
PAUL CORDWELL took this photograph of Woodson K. Woods, flying his Spitfire LF Mk 16, SL721, over the desert north of Phenix, Arizona, in 1978. Woods purchased the aircraft from Doug Arnold at Blackbushe Airport in 1977, where it was registered G-BAUP.
"Спитфайр" Mk.XVI с каплевидным фонарем
Истребитель-бомбардировщик Spitfire Mk XVI из 74-й эскадрильи RAF с подвешенными бомбами перед очередным боевым вылетом, 1945 год.
The Spitfire XVI was externally indistinguishable from late-production Mk IXs. This example, serving with No 74 Squadron, has underwing bombs, rear-view hood, clipped wings and broad-chord rudder.
RW382 masquerading as RW729 "AZ-B"at the time of the Battle of Britain film in the late Sixties. It did not fly during filming, but was made taxiable.
Spitfire XVIE RW382 photographed in September 1949, wearing the codes of 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron over an all-silver paint scheme.
RW382 at Leconfield in July 1963, carrying the serial RW729 and codes "DW-X".
TD248 at Hooton Park in September 1956.
TE357 was one of the Spitfire LF XVIs used by No 288 Sqn during the early 1950s.
No. 603 is inspected by the A.O.C., No. 66 (Scottish) Reserve Group, in 1947. Nearest Spitfire is LF.16E TF477 "RAJ:D" with a yellow spinner
Supermarine Spitfire XVI TB752. This aircraft flew during the war with Nos 66 and 403 (RCAF) Sqns, and scored a total of four kills. It spent 23 years in the open as a gate guardian before being restored and permanently housed at RAF Manston.
An appeal for funds to house Spitfire MK XVI TB752 has been launched. Recently completely restored by the Medway branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society, it has now been given the markings of 66(F) Squadron, with whom it served in 1945. Contributions, endorsed "Spitfire Fund," can be sent to the Officer Commanding, RAF Mansion, Kent.
After 22 years outdoors at RAF Mansion, Spitfire 16 TB752 has now been moved to Rochester Airport, where members of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Medway Branch will rebuild it.
The Medway branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society has now completed restoration of Spitfire Mk XVI TB752 at Rochester Airport, and it has been returned to RAF Manston for painting in the colours of 66(F) Squadron.
Top: TE199, a Spitfire LF.Mk.16 in 1948; glossy black overall with gilt trimmings; used by the then A.O.c. No. 21 Gp. Flying Training Comm. (Bottom) TE199 with additional tiny "M" number 6603M painted above, at the R.A.F. Fire School. Suttonon-Hull, June, 1955.
Последним самолетом Spitfire с мотором Merlin, поступившим на вооружение британских ВВС, стал Mk XVI, прослуживший до 1951 года. На фотографии представлен "Спитфайр" Mk.XVI на Среднем Востоке с увеличенным рулем направления, каплевидным фонарем и "обрезанным" крылом - типичный самолет поздней постройки из учебно-тренировочного подразделения.
The Spitfire Mk XVI was originally essentially a Mk IX with an American-built Packard Merlin 266 engine, but later production Mk XVIs incorporated a “low-back” aft fuselage with a teardrop canopy and the broader-chord rudder fitted to later production Mk IXs, all modifications which are visible on this Central Gunnery School Mk XVI.
"Спитфайр" Mk.XVI в составе учебной школы с демонтированным вооружением
Самолетами Mk XVIE была вооружена 416-я эскадрилья канадских ВВС, воевавшая в Европе. На фотографии: самолет с "обрезанным" крылом и подвесным сбрасываемым топливным баком на 204 л.
Spitfire F Mk XVIEs in service with No 322 Squadron, manned by Dutch personnel, in Europe after the D-Day landings.
Spitfire F Mk XVIEs in service with No 322 Squadron, manned by Dutch personnel, in Europe after the D-Day landings.
Две греческих эскадрильи из RAF вошли в состав ВВС Греции в 1944 году. Первоначально вооруженные Mk V, они позднее получили Mk IX и XVI (на снимке LF Mk.XVI. 1949г.) и летали на них до начала 1950-х годов.
Персональный самолет маршала ВВС Джеймса Робба
A Spitfire 16, now sits sedately on the edge of a main road at Worthing, Sussex.
The picture was taken in July 1952 and shows the Auster 6s and Tiger Moths of the Army Light Aircraft School in the foreground. In the background can be seen the Spitfire LF XVIs of No 288 Sqn and several Oxfords.
The “Messerschpitts” smartly lined up - note the precise positioning or “dressing” of the propellers - in standard RAF camouflage with German markings during the weekend of the show.
This photograph depicts a Spitfire of No 17 Squadron, BAF, taken in 1950. The aircraft was painted to represent a Messerschmitt Bf 109 for the 1950 BAF Display, to act as fighter defence in the mock attack on "Amiens Prison.”
What’s wrong with this picture? What appears at first glance to be a classic Schwarm of German fighters turns out on closer inspection to be a formation of Spitfire XVIs in Luftwaffe markings. British photographer Charles E. Brown took this characteristically superb photograph of the formation in transit to the RAF Display at Farnborough from Handley Page Hastings TG568 on July 8, 1950.
Another of the superb series of photographs taken by renowned aviation photographer Charles E. Brown from Hastings TG568 on July 8, 1950, of the specially-painted Spitfire XVIs of Nos 5 and 17 Sqns on their way to Farnborough. The Hastings also took part in the display, para-dropping guns to the “escapees”. Both Nos 5 and 17 Sqns operated over the firing ranges of Wales and South-west England on anti-aircraft co-operation duties from Chivenor during 1949-51.
В праздновании очередной годовщины "Битвы за Англию" "Спитфайры" Mk.XVI с обрезанными крыльями порой изображали "мессершмитты"
A poor-quality but rare photograph of five of the Spitfire XVIs in transit to Farnborough. The square-tipped wings of the Mk XVI, as on the Luftwaffe’s Bf 109 and Fw 190, lent further verisimilitude to the occasion.
Канадский "Спитфайр" в сопровождении современного реактивного истребителя-бомбардировщика CF-18
Британский истребитель «Спитфайр» Mk.XVI. Обратите внимание на его более короткие по сравнению с Bf 109 стойки шасси, что было обусловлено верхним расположением вала двигателя и вполне достаточным расстоянием между лопастями воздушного винта и землей
In prime condition is this Spitfire XVI stored in the Auckland War Museum.
In 1967, this Spitfire LF Mk XVI (originally RR263) was presented by the RAF to the Armee de l’Air, having first been repainted as TB597 in the markings of No 340 “lie de France" (Free French) Squadron. During 1978, the aircraft was restored to airworthy condition by a hard-working team ted by Colonel Sider at BA 705, Tours, where these photographs were taken last July by G Botquin.
Spitfire Mk XVI RW382 mounted on a pylon at RAF Uxbridge in 1981. The aircraft is now airworthy.
TD248 at RAF Sealand. The view was taken in August 1984.
Two Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Kaydets in a hangar in Israel. They are used for crop-dusting. In the background can be seen a number of Israeli Air Force Spitfire 16s, some of which have now been sold by Israel to Burma.
Peter Sledge's Spitfire IX, RR232, under restoration in New South Wales, Australia.
Two of the Museum's five Spitfires currently under restoration.
Stephen Grey's two-seat Spitfire, recently imported from America, is well on the way to becoming a single seat Mk IX at Wycombe Air Park in the expert hands of Joe Austin. Registered G-BJSG the Spitfire should be in the air again next year.
Wikipedia
