Best Spitfire version

[Pong]

I was wondering....What Supermarine Spitfire version is the best? The Mark Vb? The Mark I? Choose your favorite Spit!

[Juha]

Hello Pong
You made the decision too easy to me by leaving Mks VIII/IX out of options. I'd have great difficulties to choose between Mk VIII and Mk XIV but now the choice was very easy to make.

Juha

[Wildcat]

The MkVIII is my favourite, but its not on the list.

[claidemore]

What the heck, I'll vote for the Mk XIII, lucky 13.
Best of both my hobbies, photography and fighter planes.

PR XIII

The PR Mk XIII was a low level reconnaissance fighter, converted from old Mk I, Mk V and PR Mk VIIs. It carried four machine guns for defensive armament, which somewhat limited its range. It first flew in August 1942, and went into service in 1943. PR Mk XIIIs were amongst the aircraft used to take low level pictures of the Normandy beaches in preparation for the D-Day invasions. It carried two vertical F.24 cameras and one oblique F.24 camera.

Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XIII: Armed low-altitude photo-recce variant (Supermarine Type 367) to succeed PR Mk VII, with 1,645 hp Merlin 32 engine. Based on F Mk VA airframe, but only four 0.303-in (7.7-mm) guns in wings. Cameras as PR Mk VII. Total of 25 conversions from F Mk II, F Mk VA or (four only) PR Mk VII air-frames. Eleven later transferred to FAA. Entered service April 1943, used by Nos 541,542 and 543 Sqns.

[Zarathos]

Mk VIII, but as it's not in the pool - Seafire. I always liked the idea of having Spitfire on a carrier. If not for the range..

[SoD Stitch]

I voted for the first Griffon-powered Mark, the XII.

[Juha]

Hello SoD Stitch
nice that you voted for Mk XII, excellent low-level fighter and IMHO the most menacing looking of Spits,

Juha

[Sgt. Pappy]

bah the Spitfire VIII is the best overall. It was the only standard production Spitfire in which ALL units had more than a sloppy + 400 mile range. The Spit VIII had at least 660 miles on internal fuel after startup/warm-up. It had the performance of a Mk.IX, was able to haul a 1000 lb bomb load (after bomb rack retro-fit of course) and could climb and turn with best of them. Jeffrey Quill stated it was the nicest handling of all Merlin engine Spits. Plus it had a retractable tailwheel which increased its awesome-ness.

And what happened to the IX? The version that put the Spitfire back in the top fighter category in 1942?

[trackend]

The Spiteful type371 (483mph) which flew in june 1944 and in theory was going to be the Spits replacement but to all intents was a moded spitfire would be my choice but of the list its the Seafire for me (beautiful clean lines)

[drgondog]

The Spiteful type371 (483mph) which flew in june 1944 and in theory was going to be the Spits replacement but to all intents was a moded spitfire would be my choice but of the list its the Seafire for me (beautiful clean lines)

Good to see you back Trackend - I sure missed the avatar - it reminds me of my neighbor across the pasture <grin>

I have always like the XIV a little bit more than the rest of those magnificent fighters.. would have loved to fly one.

[Hot Space]

The XIV cos it looks a real bitch in combat

[plan_D]

I would have picked the Mk.XVIII or F.21 ... but I'll resort to Mk.XIV.

[bigZ]

If its just a personal pick. I would go for a Spit MKX. Incredible range, pressurised cockpit and no cannons to spoil its perfect lines. No griffon bits obstructing the view at the front or that awful bubble canopy(Ok it great for dogfighting but I want a tourer).

Has to be PRU blue though as camo is dull and pink is just girlie.

[tbolt]

Mk XIV hands down !

[Colin1]

What?
No Mk XVIII?