Difference between revisions of "Spitfire F Mk IX"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_ix_early}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=spitfire_ix_early
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_spitfire_ix_early.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The superiority of the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] over the [[Spitfire Mk Vb|Spitfire Mk V]] quickly became apparent after its introduction in late 1941. While a new engine, the Merlin 61, with a two-stage supercharger had been developed, a new airframe for high-altitude operations was still in the works; thus, as an interim measure, the new engine was fitted into the [[Spitfire Mk Vc]], producing the Spitfire Mk IX. Even without the aerodynamic and structural improvements of the new design, the Mk IX was found to be an effective counter to the Fw 190, with much greater speed, climb rate, and high-altitude manoeuvrability than the Mk V, while matching its low-level performance. Many Mk Vc's would be converted to the new standard, and were armed in both all-cannon and B-type wing-style arrangements, but with the advantage of greater ammunition capacity due to the belt-feeding of the cannons facilitated by the wing redesign. In early 1943, the Merlin 61 engines were gradually replaced by the Merlin 63, and production of the Spitfire F Mk IX was finally halted in late 1943 in favour of the Merlin 66-powered [[Spitfire LF Mk IX|LF Mk IX]].
  
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.35]], the Spitfire Mk IX series is the pinnacle of the Merlin-powered Spitfires. They feature an exceptional rate of climb and adequate speed, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of their early lineage. The Mk IX presents a good introduction to the more energy-fighting style of the later Griffon-powered aircraft, making use of the altitude advantage to make passes on an opponent while retaining the ability to return to a turn-fighting approach when desired. However, the F Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and quad machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents. While the Spitfire Mk IX also finally comes with the ability to carry ground ordnance, the single option of a 250 lb bomb is very lacklustre, and its effect against medium and heavy targets is limited. It should be used only to engage lightly armoured vehicles and SPAAs, if at all.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}  This fighter was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].
 
  
−
Because the muzzle velocity of both the Hispanos (muzzle velocity: 870 m/s) and the MGs (muzzle velocity: 854 m/s) is practically the same you could put tracers on the MGs and air belt on the Hispanos. This is a great way for players to get a feel of where to aim in RB and it's easier to hit your shots maximizing your efficiency and potentially saving ammo. A downside to this is that the element of surprise is short lived as your enemy will see the tracers flying past him and he will quickly react. Another thing is that short bursts are required with the cannons especially without the cannon upgrades as they overheat (and thus jam) very quickly.
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle. -->
  
−
== General info ==
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,537 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,537 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 622 || 609 || 11,500 || 18.4 || 18.7 || 15.8 || 15.8 || 380
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,537 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 627 || 609 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.1 || 18.7 || 15.8 || 15.8 || rowspan="2" | 380
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 677 || 650 || 11,500 || 16.3 || 17.2 || 27.9 || 19.5 || 380
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 676 || 650 || 16.4 || 17.2 || 24.4 || 19.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 774 || 260 || ??? || ~12 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~10 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 321 || < 400 || < 450 || > 250
+
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 450
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 112: Line 85:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,200 m || 1,300 hp || 1,543 hp  
+
| 4,100 m || 1,400 hp || 1,624 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 120: Line 93:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 7,500 m || 1,150 hp || 1,334 hp  
+
| 8,000 m || 1,160 hp || 1,346 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
−
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
* 3 mm Steel - Armor plate on top of fuel tanks
+
 
−
* 4 mm Steel - Armor plate on pilot's seat. Behind pilot is another 6-7 mm steel plate
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
−
* 3 mm Steel - Armor plates around ammunition
+
* 3 mm Steel - Armour plate on top of fuel tanks
 +
* 4 mm Steel - Armour plate on pilot's seat. Behind pilot is another 6-7 mm steel plate
 +
* 3 mm Steel - Armour plates around ammunition
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
−
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
+
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
−
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
+
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
 
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 1 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb (250 lb total)
+
* 1 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (250 lb total)
−
<!--
 
−
=== Defensive armament ===
 
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
−
-->
 
−
== Usage in the battles ==
 
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
As a Spitfire Mk IX at its realistic mode battle rating, the most common and dangerous opponents are Bf 109s, normally the G-2/Trop and F-4 variants both of which often benefit from a better team composition on the axis side. When facing them, you should never attempt to hold an extended dogfight above 5,000 m as you will lose a significant portion of engine power in comparison to them. Instead, you should take the fight below 5 km where you can outrun a Bf 109 F-4, although Fw 190s and the German variant P-47 will catch up easily at the lower altitude.
 +
 
 +
The advantages of your plane in both an up-tier and down-tier remain largely the same in that you can out-turn almost anything except all models of the A6M "Zero" and the A7M "Reppu" along with earlier Spitfires you might face such as the Italian Spitfire Mk Vb/Trop. In this scenario you should play cautiously and try to energy fight them, extending away and climbing. For head-ons, since the armament of 2 x 20 mm and 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are rather lacklustre, you usually should avoid these. If you really want to, though, use stealth rounds and fire from 1,000 to 1,400 metres away from the target while using a 500 m convergence. However, this Spitfire does best at mid-close ranges (200-600 metres) with either 400 m or 300 m convergence. The wing-mounted guns aren't really good for head-ons.
 +
 
 +
Another aspect to consider and adjust your playstyle to is that while the acceleration and turn time is good, engine overheating in RB and SB should be managed using manual engine controls and pulling more than 9 G while rolling puts you at risk of ripping your wing off. Additionally, since the Inline engine is very vulnerable to damage and the Spitfire requires lots of time on target, practice proper methods of attacking bombers using boom and zoom tactics as tail-sitting enemy bombers with decent defensive armaments like the Me 264 and the He 177 is not likely to end well at all.
 +
 
 +
In ground RB, the lacklustre suspended armament suggests that it is unadvised to engage ground targets. The 250 lb bomb may be worth taking to play your chances against a light tank or SPAA but extreme luck and skill is required to get a kill as extreme accuracy is required with the bomb. The offensive armament also lacks penetration and cannot be relied upon to kill ground vehicles - even SPAAs like the [[Ostwind]], [[Wirbelwind]] and [[M16 MGMC]] will prevail against your 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| SBC mark 25
 
−
| Mk.II year 1942
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| Mk.II year 1943
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Great manoeuvrability
+
 
−
* Good roll rate
+
* Great manoeuvrability.
−
* Good low-level performance
+
* Good roll rate.
−
* Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to some predecessors with 60 RPG
+
* Good low-level performance.
−
* Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons
+
* Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to the Spitfires with the Type "B" wings with 60 RPG.
−
* Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine
+
* Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons.
−
* Performing quick negative G manoeuvres will not shut off the engine (RB/SB)
+
* Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine.
−
* You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting
+
* Lack of engine float carburettor allows for more forgiving negative-G manoeuvres and inverted flight (RB/SB).
 +
* You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting.
 +
* Like previous versions of British planes, the tracer belts are composed entirely of incendiary bullets (IT and AP-I).
 +
* Incredibly fast climber, out-climbs 109s when upgraded
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting
+
 
−
* Cannons overheat and jam quickly, especially when in stock configuration
+
* Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting.
−
* When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four rather underwhelming 7.7 mm machine guns
+
* Cannons overheat and jam quickly, when not in 1942/1943 configuration.
−
* Poor high altitude performance
+
* When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four 7.7 mm machine guns.
−
* Poor acceleration
+
* Poor high altitude performance (above 5,000 m).
−
* Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 kph
+
* Poor acceleration.
−
* Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB)
+
* Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 km/h.
−
* Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners
+
* Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB).
 +
* Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners.
 +
* Fragile airframe.
 +
* Catches fire easily, not all fuel tanks are self sealing.
 +
* 20 mm incredibly inaccurate even at close ranges when stock.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
"The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as ‘outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet’ and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C ‘universal’ wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two 20mm cannon and four 0.303 inch machine guns, but in later versions the four 0.303 machine guns were replaced with two .50 calibre guns.
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as 'outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet' and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C 'universal' wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two 20 mm cannon and four 0.303 inch machine guns, but in later versions the four 0.303 machine guns were replaced with two .50 calibre guns.
  
 
A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution.
 
A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution.
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=== Notable pilots ===
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[[File:Douglas_Bader_profile.jpg|thumb|none|220px|User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' was the fighter in which '''[[User:U64962917#Bader,_Douglas_R.S.B.|Douglas Bader]]''' flew as flight lead of 300 aircraft over London for a victory flyover in June 1945.]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_ix_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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== Read also ==
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;Videos
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
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{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 05:10 discusses the Spitfire F Mk IX.}}
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== See also ==
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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== Sources ==
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;Other Spitfire Mk IX variants:
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* [[Spitfire F Mk IXc]]
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]
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* [[Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc]]
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* [[Spitfire Mk IXc (USSR)]]
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)]]
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== External links ==
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/162149-supermarine-spitfire-f-mk-ix/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
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{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}

Latest revision as of 21:38, 24 July 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire F Mk IX. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Spitfire F Mk IX
spitfire_ix_early.png
GarageImage Spitfire F Mk IX.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/15/Cockpit_spitfire_ix_early.jpg
Spitfire F Mk IX
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.3 4.7
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The superiority of the Fw 190 over the Spitfire Mk V quickly became apparent after its introduction in late 1941. While a new engine, the Merlin 61, with a two-stage supercharger had been developed, a new airframe for high-altitude operations was still in the works; thus, as an interim measure, the new engine was fitted into the Spitfire Mk Vc, producing the Spitfire Mk IX. Even without the aerodynamic and structural improvements of the new design, the Mk IX was found to be an effective counter to the Fw 190, with much greater speed, climb rate, and high-altitude manoeuvrability than the Mk V, while matching its low-level performance. Many Mk Vc's would be converted to the new standard, and were armed in both all-cannon and B-type wing-style arrangements, but with the advantage of greater ammunition capacity due to the belt-feeding of the cannons facilitated by the wing redesign. In early 1943, the Merlin 61 engines were gradually replaced by the Merlin 63, and production of the Spitfire F Mk IX was finally halted in late 1943 in favour of the Merlin 66-powered LF Mk IX.

Introduced in Update 1.35, the Spitfire Mk IX series is the pinnacle of the Merlin-powered Spitfires. They feature an exceptional rate of climb and adequate speed, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of their early lineage. The Mk IX presents a good introduction to the more energy-fighting style of the later Griffon-powered aircraft, making use of the altitude advantage to make passes on an opponent while retaining the ability to return to a turn-fighting approach when desired. However, the F Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and quad machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents. While the Spitfire Mk IX also finally comes with the ability to carry ground ordnance, the single option of a 250 lb bomb is very lacklustre, and its effect against medium and heavy targets is limited. It should be used only to engage lightly armoured vehicles and SPAAs, if at all.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 8 537 m650 km/h
Turn time17 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin-61
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 8,537 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 627 609 11500 18.1 18.7 15.8 15.8 380
Upgraded 676 650 16.4 17.2 24.4 19.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
774 270 N/A N/A 230 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 350 > 450
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,100 m 1,400 hp 1,624 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
8,000 m 1,160 hp 1,346 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural774 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 3 mm Steel - Armour plate on top of fuel tanks
  • 4 mm Steel - Armour plate on pilot's seat. Behind pilot is another 6-7 mm steel plate
  • 3 mm Steel - Armour plates around ammunition

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB867 → 1 121 Sl icon.png
RB1 988 → 2 572 Sl icon.png
SB3 065 → 3 966 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 560 Rp icon.png
32 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 130 / 270 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mark 25
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.2
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition240 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 24 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm), Browning (7.7 mm)

The Spitfire F Mk IX is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 11 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
Setup 21 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 31 x 500 LB S.A.P. Mk.II bomb
Main article: AN-M57 (250 lb)

The Spitfire F Mk IX can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (250 lb total)

Usage in battles

As a Spitfire Mk IX at its realistic mode battle rating, the most common and dangerous opponents are Bf 109s, normally the G-2/Trop and F-4 variants both of which often benefit from a better team composition on the axis side. When facing them, you should never attempt to hold an extended dogfight above 5,000 m as you will lose a significant portion of engine power in comparison to them. Instead, you should take the fight below 5 km where you can outrun a Bf 109 F-4, although Fw 190s and the German variant P-47 will catch up easily at the lower altitude.

The advantages of your plane in both an up-tier and down-tier remain largely the same in that you can out-turn almost anything except all models of the A6M "Zero" and the A7M "Reppu" along with earlier Spitfires you might face such as the Italian Spitfire Mk Vb/Trop. In this scenario you should play cautiously and try to energy fight them, extending away and climbing. For head-ons, since the armament of 2 x 20 mm and 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are rather lacklustre, you usually should avoid these. If you really want to, though, use stealth rounds and fire from 1,000 to 1,400 metres away from the target while using a 500 m convergence. However, this Spitfire does best at mid-close ranges (200-600 metres) with either 400 m or 300 m convergence. The wing-mounted guns aren't really good for head-ons.

Another aspect to consider and adjust your playstyle to is that while the acceleration and turn time is good, engine overheating in RB and SB should be managed using manual engine controls and pulling more than 9 G while rolling puts you at risk of ripping your wing off. Additionally, since the Inline engine is very vulnerable to damage and the Spitfire requires lots of time on target, practice proper methods of attacking bombers using boom and zoom tactics as tail-sitting enemy bombers with decent defensive armaments like the Me 264 and the He 177 is not likely to end well at all.

In ground RB, the lacklustre suspended armament suggests that it is unadvised to engage ground targets. The 250 lb bomb may be worth taking to play your chances against a light tank or SPAA but extreme luck and skill is required to get a kill as extreme accuracy is required with the bomb. The offensive armament also lacks penetration and cannot be relied upon to kill ground vehicles - even SPAAs like the Ostwind, Wirbelwind and M16 MGMC will prevail against your 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Combined Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great manoeuvrability.
  • Good roll rate.
  • Good low-level performance.
  • Larger ammo supply of 120 RPG for the 20 mm cannons, compared to the Spitfires with the Type "B" wings with 60 RPG.
  • Machine gun ammo pool of 350 RPG makes for good, prolonged backup weapons.
  • Faster than previous Spitfire versions due to a newer engine.
  • Lack of engine float carburettor allows for more forgiving negative-G manoeuvres and inverted flight (RB/SB).
  • You can actually use tracers belts for machine guns, which means this aircraft can help new RB player with shooting.
  • Like previous versions of British planes, the tracer belts are composed entirely of incendiary bullets (IT and AP-I).
  • Incredibly fast climber, out-climbs 109s when upgraded

Cons:

  • Ammunition pool for 20 mm still relatively small, must be conservative when shooting.
  • Cannons overheat and jam quickly, when not in 1942/1943 configuration.
  • When 20 mm runs out or jams, the plane is left with only four 7.7 mm machine guns.
  • Poor high altitude performance (above 5,000 m).
  • Poor acceleration.
  • Roll rate starts stiffening at ~400 km/h.
  • Liquid-cooled engines mean one hit to the cooling system can force a return to the airfield for repairs (RB/SB).
  • Very difficult to attack bombers, as the engine is very susceptible to damage from enemy gunners.
  • Fragile airframe.
  • Catches fire easily, not all fuel tanks are self sealing.
  • 20 mm incredibly inaccurate even at close ranges when stock.

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. While the Mk VII and Mk VIII variants was being designed, a Spitfire Mk III was tested in September 1941 with the new Rolls Royce 60 in the hopes of developing an interim fighter to use as a stop gap measure. The new Spitfire performed exceptionally well, and was rushed into production as the Mk IX. The Air Fighting Development Unit described the Mk IX as 'outstandingly better than the Mk V especially at heights above 20,000 feet' and even though it was not fitted with the modified control surfaces under development for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the Mk IX was more than capable of meeting the Focke-Wulf FW190 on favourable terms. The Mk IX was fitted with the Type C 'universal' wing and originally carried the tried and tested combination of two 20 mm cannon and four 0.303 inch machine guns, but in later versions the four 0.303 machine guns were replaced with two .50 calibre guns.

A total of 5,665 Mk IX were produced and 262 more Mk Vs were converted to Mk IX. Intended as a transitional stop-gap measure for the Mk VII and Mk VIII, the variant remained in production until the end of the war, ultimately becoming the most mass-produced Spitfire version. This mark was also used as a fighter-bomber and as a reconnaissance aircraft. Further modifications were incorporated into the Mk IX throughout its service life, such as a gyroscopic gunsight, bubble canopy and modified engine intercooler. Widely considered to be the most capable fighter in the world at the time of its introduction, it would take the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to push the Spitfire into its next stage of evolution.


Notable pilots

The Spitfire F Mk IX was the fighter in which Douglas Bader flew as flight lead of 300 aircraft over London for a victory flyover in June 1945.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #92 - Metal Beasts section at 05:10 discusses the Spitfire F Mk IX.

See also

Other Spitfire Mk IX variants

External links


Supermarine
Spitfires 
Merlin engine  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb
  Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
  Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Griffon engine  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Export  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Seafires  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Export  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III
Jet fighters  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Hydroplanes  Walrus Mk.I

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

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