Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX

In June 1942, an Fw-190 landed at Pembrey after its pilot had become lost. This gave the RAF an early opportunity to test the aircraft against the Spitfire Mk V, and it proved superior in all respects except for turning ability. Pending the arrival of the Spitfire Mk IX, some Mk Vs had their wing tips removed, decreasing the span by four feet four inches. The 'clipped-wing' Spitfire was marginally faster than the standard Mk V but had a considerably better rate of roll. A Merlin with a modified supercharger was also fitted, which gave a speed at low level equivalent to that of the Fw-190. Such Spitfires were known as 'clipped and cropped'.

The first Spitfire Mk IXs went to No 64 Squadron at Hornchurch in July. When tested against the captured Fw-190, the Mk IX was found to compare favorably.

*Supermarine Spitfire F, LF Mk.IXc,e' Specifications**
Type	Fighter
Power Plant	1xMerlin 61 1,565 hp, 1xMerlin 66 1,720 hp*, Rolls Royce, 12 cylinder V, liquid cooled
Unladen weight	5,623 lbs (2,556 kg), 5,816 lbs (2,638 kg)*
Laden weight	9,480 lbs (4,309 kg), 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg)*
Max Speed (Sea Level)	309 mph (499 kph)
Max Speed (24,600 ft)	407mph (656 kph)
Cruising Speed
Climbing Rate	3,950 ft (1,204 m) / min*
Max range	434 mi (700 km)
Service Ceiling	43,952 ft (13,400 m), 42,500 ft (12,954 m)*
Armament	4x20 mm Hispano cannon, wings Mk.IXc, {2x12.7 mm (.5") Browning maching guns (250 rounds per gun) and 2x20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon (120 rounds per gun), wings Mk.IXe}'
Wingspan	36 ft 10 in (11.23 m), 32 ft 7 in (9.9 m)*
Length	31 ft 4 in (9.5 m)
Height	12 ft 7 in (3.86 m)
Wing Area	242 sq ft (22.48 sq m)