Representing a 601Sqn aircraft.
Commission build 1:32 scale
Commission build 1:32 scale
ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION DETAILS:
Wiring and plumbing added to the Merlin engine
Undercarriage/Oleo wiring
Additional cockpit placards, wiring and components
HISTORY:
The Spitfire Mk IX was originally developed as a stop-gap measure as a response to the appearance of the Focke-Wulf FW 190A ‘Butcher Bird’. Losses soon began to mount as the MkV proved no match for the Luftwaffe’s new ‘Butcherbird’! The crisis was so serious that the RAF was forced to stop all but themost important daytime operations over occupied Europe in November 1941. When operations were resumed again, between March and June 1942, RAF losses were unacceptably heavy, and operations had to be stopped again.
The Mk IX provided an alternative solution to the problem. It used the sameMerlin 60/70 series engines at the Mk VIII, but in a slightly modified Mark Vc fuselage. This allowed for rapid development and production of the new model. Work on fitting the more power Merlin 61 with its two-stage supercharger had begun in the summer of 1941, and on 27 September Spitfire N3297. The resulting Spitfire retained the clean lines of the earlier Mks. I, II and V, but featured a longer, modified fuselage to accommodate the new Merlin engine. Revised intakes, radiators and oil coolers, and a four-bladed propeller to handle the greater power were also new additions.
Replacing the Mk V from June 1942 it allowed the RAF to go back onto the offensive in occupied Europe, and resume the “circus”, “ramrod” and “rodeo” raids. Its first combat success came on 30 July 1942, when a Spitfire Mk IX shot down a Fw 190. Amongst other notable achievements, the Mk IX took part in the highest altitude combat of the Second World War, when it intercepted a Ju86R at 43,000 feet over Southampton on 12 September 1942.
The majority of Mk IXs of all types used the standard “C” wing, which could carry four 20mm cannon or two 20mm cannon and four .303in machine guns. From1944 some were built with the “E” wing, which replaced the four .303in machine guns with two .50in heavy machine guns. The Mk IX was produced in greater numbers than any other type of Spitfire.284 were converted from older versions, 557 built by Supermarine around Southampton, and another 5117 at Castle Bromwich. With the 1053 Mk XVIs (the same aircraft with a Packard Merlin engine) that amounts to a total of 7,011aircraft.
The Spitfire Mk IX was originally developed as a stop-gap measure as a response to the appearance of the Focke-Wulf FW 190A ‘Butcher Bird’. Losses soon began to mount as the MkV proved no match for the Luftwaffe’s new ‘Butcherbird’! The crisis was so serious that the RAF was forced to stop all but themost important daytime operations over occupied Europe in November 1941. When operations were resumed again, between March and June 1942, RAF losses were unacceptably heavy, and operations had to be stopped again.
The Mk IX provided an alternative solution to the problem. It used the sameMerlin 60/70 series engines at the Mk VIII, but in a slightly modified Mark Vc fuselage. This allowed for rapid development and production of the new model. Work on fitting the more power Merlin 61 with its two-stage supercharger had begun in the summer of 1941, and on 27 September Spitfire N3297. The resulting Spitfire retained the clean lines of the earlier Mks. I, II and V, but featured a longer, modified fuselage to accommodate the new Merlin engine. Revised intakes, radiators and oil coolers, and a four-bladed propeller to handle the greater power were also new additions.
Replacing the Mk V from June 1942 it allowed the RAF to go back onto the offensive in occupied Europe, and resume the “circus”, “ramrod” and “rodeo” raids. Its first combat success came on 30 July 1942, when a Spitfire Mk IX shot down a Fw 190. Amongst other notable achievements, the Mk IX took part in the highest altitude combat of the Second World War, when it intercepted a Ju86R at 43,000 feet over Southampton on 12 September 1942.
The majority of Mk IXs of all types used the standard “C” wing, which could carry four 20mm cannon or two 20mm cannon and four .303in machine guns. From1944 some were built with the “E” wing, which replaced the four .303in machine guns with two .50in heavy machine guns. The Mk IX was produced in greater numbers than any other type of Spitfire.284 were converted from older versions, 557 built by Supermarine around Southampton, and another 5117 at Castle Bromwich. With the 1053 Mk XVIs (the same aircraft with a Packard Merlin engine) that amounts to a total of 7,011aircraft.
Contact: charles.whall@ntlworld.com
