Thread: Battle of Britain Combatants

Originally Posted by Keith

Hi Plane Lovers,
For a bit more detail of our favourite pairs.

Even more pictures of the upgradings that took place.

Originally Posted by Keith

Even more pictures of the upgradings that took place.

More comparative pictures for the battle for supremacy (last pair in the series)

With the Mk IX, the Spit developed to meet the Fw190 on more even terms, I think Supermarine finally developed a mass-produced Spit that was completely superior to the '109. My opinion only. Earlier Spits could be outclimbed etc by the early '109s, the F in particular, which meant the Germans could dictate the fight somewhat as they did during Fighter Command's 1941 offensive.

Looking at the stubby wings of the '109G - no wonder they were bloody hard to fly.

I know the later marks were faster, stronger and better armed but I still like the lines of the Mk I. The flush wings, without the cannon bulges etc. And I just think the bubble canopy was so wrong!!

Totally agree, Kyt. There's almost something innocent about the Mk I! The clipped wings on the Mk Vs make them look like sports coupes I reckon. Add bulges for the Griffon as well and, well, she's still a Spit and still better looking than anything that ever flew but...

Keith, have you got a comparison three-view of a F Mk 24 (the last land-based Spit) or a Mk XVIII (the last variant to enter service before war's end)?

Originally Posted by Antipodean Andy

Totally agree, Kyt. There's almost something innocent about the Mk I! The clipped wings on the Mk Vs make them look like sports coupes I reckon. Add bulges for the Griffon as well and, well, she's still a Spit and still better looking than anything that ever flew but...

Keith, have you got a comparison three-view of a F Mk 24 (the last land-based Spit) or a Mk XVIII (the last variant to enter service before war's end)?

Hi Andy,
I'll have a look through a few books I have on the Spitfire.
The very late Mks had no charisma so attracted less attention or interest.
Cheers
Keith.

Oh, they had charisma, Keith, they just shoved it down your throat!

Originally Posted by Antipodean Andy

Oh, they had charisma, Keith, they just shoved it down your throat!

Nothing of any real note yet, but I'll carry on tomorrow.
Thought this may be of interest.