Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA8308

General Background

The Mk. IX replaced the Mk. V in June 1942 and on September 12, 1942 a Mk. IX brought down a Ju-86R flying at 43,000 feet. Another major achievement of the Mk. IX took place on October 5, 1944 when 401 Squadron became the first allied aircraft to shoot down an Me-262 jet. Even with the arrival of the Griffon powered Mk. XIV the Mk. IX continued in service until the end of WWII. There were 5,665 Mk. IX Spitfires and its variants produced.

The Aircraft

The Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight Foundation, (Dutch - 'Stichting Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht' (SKHV)) is the proud owner of Supermarine Spitfire IXb serial number 3W-17. According to their site this aircraft was manufactured in 1943 and did participate in D-Day operations. The 322 Fighter Section (322 JaVA) was formed in 1946 and renamed 322 Squadron in 1947 and this Spitfire wore serial H-25. The H designation for the 322 Squadron changed to 3W and this particular aircraft became 3W-17. 1953 saw the end of military life for 3W- 17 and it wasn't until 1991 that the SKHV obtained the aircraft. In 2000 modifications and the silver paint scheme were completed and the Dutch civil registration of PH-OUQ replaced the former British one.

Specifications :

Number built :	5,665 all Mk. IX variants
Crew :	1 X pilot
Dimensions :
Length:	31 ft. 3.5 in.
Wingspan:
Standard (F)	36 ft. 10 in.
Clipped (LF)	32 ft. 2 in.
Height:	11 ft. 9 in.
Wing Area:	(F) 242 sq. ft. or (LF) 231 sq. ft.
Weight:
Empty:	5,610 lbs. (2,545 kg)
Maximum Takeoff:	7,500 lbs. (3,402 kg)
Performance:
Engine:	1 X V-12 Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 @ 1,515 hp or
	1 X V-12 Rolls-Royce Merlin 63 @ 1,712 hp
Maximum Speed:	408 mph (657 kph) @ 25,000 ft.
Service Ceiling:	4,000 ft.
Range w/o drop tank:	434 miles (698 km)
Armament:	2 X Hispano 20mm cannons
plus either	4 X .303 machine guns or
	2 X .50 machine guns
	1,000 lbs of bombs (500 centerline, 250 each wing)