Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIe

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Fighter
  • First Flight: March 6, 1936 (prototype)
  • Display Status: On loan to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Among the most famous aircraft of all time, the Spitfire began operations before Second World War and was one of the few pre-war types to remain in first-line service until the end of the war and beyond. As the war progressed, the Spitfire received heavier armament and more powerful engines until it was twice as heavy and powerful as the original mark. In all, 21 554 were built in 24 different versions, including some 1 220 Seafires fitted for aircraft carrier operation.

The Mk. XVI appeared late in 1944 and differed from the Mk. IX in having a Packard Merlin instead of a Rolls-Royce built engine. Some were fitted with a bubble canopy.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: TE 214 (RAF)
  • Manufacturer: Supermarine Division, Vickers Armstrong Ltd., Great Britain
  • Manufacture Date: 1945
  • Construction #: CBAF IX 4424
  • Aquisition Date: 1966
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

Built in 1945, the Museum’s Mk. XVI never saw action. It was loaned to the RCAF by the British Air Ministry in 1960 and officially acquired in 1963. The Museum received the aircraft in 1966.

Specifications

Wing Span:
9.9 m (32 ft 7 in)
Length:
9.5 m (31 ft 3 in)
Height:
3.6 m (11 ft 8 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,674 kg (5,894 lb)
Weight, Gross:
3,759 kg (8,288 lb)
Cruising Speed:
Unknown
Max Speed:
657 km/h (408 mph)
Rate of Climb:
1,210 m (3,970 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
12,649 m (41,500 ft)
Range:
698 km (434 mi)
Power Plant:
one Rolls-Royce (Packard) Merlin 266, 1,750 hp, V-12 engine