The final Merlin-powered variant of the Spitfire, the Spitfire F Mk XVI was a Spitfire LF Mk IX equipped with the Packard Merlin 266 engine, a Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 licence-built by the American Packard Motor Company. Notably, the model represented in-game features the new "E-type" wings, which allowed either an all-cannon arrangement like the C-type or installation of M2 Browning heavy machine guns. These could also be "clipped", removing the wingtips to improve low-altitude characteristics at the cost of high-altitude manoeuvrability.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the Spitfire LF Mk IX, aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German Focke-Wulfe 190 series. The clipped wings give the Mk XVI a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. However, compared to similar Merlin Spitfires, the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally. In terms of armament, the two M2 Brownings also provide a significant increase in firepower compared to the previous quad .303 Browning setup.