Difference between revisions of "Spitfire LF Mk IX"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_ix}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other uses
+
| usage = other versions
−
|link=Spitfire (Family)
+
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=spitfire_ix
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--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.-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
 
+
By March 1943, a new version of the Merlin engine had been developed. Designated the Merlin 66, it was even more powerful than the preceding 61 and 63 versions, was tuned for low-altitude operation, and featured a new injection-based carburettor instead of the float carburettor of previous models, completely resolving the fuel-flow issues during zero-G manoeuvres and inverted flight. Spitfire F Mk IXs equipped with this new engine were designated '''LF (low-altitude fighter) Mk IX''' (also commonly referred to as the Spitfire Mk IXb). Production of the improved type completely replaced those equipped with older engines by late 1943, and the LF became the most produced variant of the Mk IX, with over 4,000 aircraft built.
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
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{{break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].
 
  
−
The Spitfire LF Mk IX is very much a short range, point interceptor fighter and the stand out fighter in the mid Spitfire lineup. It features an exceptional rate of climb, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of its early lineage. The LF IX is considered by most to be the perfect Spitfire due to its balanced all round performance and impressive statistics. The last of the Merlin Engined Spitfires before progressing on to the Griffon powered variants, has the perfect balance of turning performance (second only to its Japanese counterparts) as well as its "Boom and Zoom" capability that becomes more possible with later model Spitfires.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.35]], the Spitfire LF Mk IX is very much a short range, point interceptor fighter and the stand-out fighter in the mid Spitfire line-up. It features an exceptional rate of climb, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of its early lineage. The LF Mk IX is considered by many to be the perfect Spitfire due to its balanced all-round performance and impressive statistics. The last of the Merlin-engined Spitfires before progressing on to the Griffon-powered variants, it has the perfect balance of turning performance (second only to its Japanese counterparts) as well as its "Boom and Zoom" capability that becomes more possible with later model Spitfires. However, the LF Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and twin machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! 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
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 629 || 612 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.6 || 17.0 || 19.6 || 22.2 || 320
+
! Stock
 +
| 632 || 612 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.4 || 17.0 || 22.2 || 22.2 || rowspan="2" | 320
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 731 || 690 || 14.8 || 14.8 || 43.3 || 31.8
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
 
−
! 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
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 724 || 688 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.1 || 14.9 || 48.4 || 31.8 || 320
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====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 || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| 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 !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || N/A || ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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 || > 470
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! Compressor
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3,200 m || 1,380 hp || 2,084 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 6,200 m || 1,310 hp || 1,978 hp  
+
! Setting 1
−
|-
+
| 3,600 m || 1,440 hp || 1,843 hp
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
+
! Setting 2
−
! 100% Engine power
+
| 6,800 m || 1,340 hp || 1,664 hp
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--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.-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
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* 3 mm Steel boxes around the wing ammunition.
 
* 3 mm Steel boxes around the wing ammunition.
  
−
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
+
{{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|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 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)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
+
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (260 rpg = 520 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (260 rpg = 520 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}}
−
{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)}}
+
<!-- ''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 ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 1 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
+
* 1 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (250 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in 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 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).''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The Spitfire LF Mk IX is a fighter aircraft that excels in dogfighting thanks to its high manoeuvrability. It is able to outturn nearly every other plane that it might face, except for a few Japanese fighters. However, engaging in extended turnfights usually should not be the pilot's first course of action when facing an opponent. Instead, the pilot should use the Spitfire's incredible rate of climb to gain an altitude advantage over the enemy. Then, it's easy to boom and zoom over lower-energy targets. This strategy works well thanks to the plane's good energy retention, although its lacklustre guns sometimes makes high-speed shooting unreliable.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
If an altitude advantage is not possible, then the aircraft's manoeuvrability can shine. If the enemy can be lured into a turnfight, then there is almost no chance that they can come out on top. In rolling scissors manoeuvres, the Spitfire is also quite capable, but its roll rate may be lacking against some opponents.
−
As with all the other british planes this plane is also very forgiving when using Manual Engine Settings
 
  
−
Prop pitch: This should be set to 100% when climbing to utilize it's superior climb rate. This will come in handy both at the start of a match and during combat. However when in level flight or chasing another plane this can be set back as far to 70-80% to get a few more km/h (or mp/h).
+
At high speeds, the Spitfire tends to compress, losing control authority in both the roll and pitch axes. This can make it surprisingly difficult to recover from steep dives, and given the Spitfire's relatively low red-line speed, it is often necessary to spiral downwards instead of diving straight down if the pilot wishes to lose altitude quickly.
  
−
Radiator: as soon as you unlock the radiator module you can set this to 30% and leave it there for the entire match. On sicilly however you want to set it to 35-40% until you reach 6000m (19,685 feet)
+
Due to this plane's vulnerabilities, namely a low ammunition load and somewhat flimsy airframe, it is not recommended to attack bombers with heavy defensive armament. In fact, the Hispano cannons' sometimes unreliable damage output means that it can be wise to choose attacking smaller, lighter targets (single-engine fighters) over larger ones (heavy fighters and attackers). All else being equal, and as long as teammates or win conditions are not being immediately threatened, attacking a single-engine fighter instead of a larger plane will usually yield greater results and a quicker victory.
  
−
Supercharger: Switching this at 2000m (6,561 feet) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain it's climbrate up until 4500m, after it will suffer miserably but still climb better than almost every plane. Therefore the supercharger gears should be switched at 2km (6,561 feet) altitude
+
In Ground Realistic battles, the Spitfire is ill-equipped to attack ground targets. Its 20 mm cannons don't have the ammo count or penetration to do reliable damage to armoured targets, and its single 250 lb bomb does little against tanks unless aimed near-perfectly. However, it is still an excellent air superiority fighter. In the dogfight-centric playstyle of aircraft in Ground Realistic battles, the Spitfire's amazing turn rate makes it shine.
  
 +
=== 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" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Modules===
+
As with all the other British planes, this plane is also very forgiving when using Manual Engine Settings.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
Prop pitch: This should be set to 100% when climbing to utilize the aircraft's superior climb rate. This will come in handy both at the start of a match and during combat. However when in level flight or chasing another plane this can be set back as far to 70-80% to get a few more km/h.
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
+
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
Radiator: The radiator can be set to around 30% when using 100% power, however setting the radiator to around 80% will allow you to use WEP for the entire game.
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
+
 
−
|-
+
Supercharger: Switching this at 2,000 m (6,561 ft) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain its climbrate up until 4,500 m, after it will suffer miserably but still climb better than almost every plane. Therefore the supercharger gears should be switched at 2 km (6,561 ft) altitude
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| 150 Octane Fuel
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--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".-->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
−
* Supreme rate of climb that will rival that of the later Griffon Spitfires and most late war props (46.7 m/s in AB, 27 in RB/SB when maxed out, beating the F8F-1B at altitudes below 7 km)
+
* Supreme rate of climb that will rival that of the later Griffon Spitfires and most late war props (46.7 m/s in AB, 31.8 m/s in RB/SB when maxed out, beating the F8F-1B at altitudes below 7 km)
−
* Excellent acceleration from a standing start due to the boost configuration
+
* Excellent low speed acceleration and climb
−
* Exceptional maneuverability at all altitudes
+
* Exceptional manoeuvrability at all altitudes
−
* Good energy retention - Better than the [[Bf 109 K-4|Bf 109 K-4]] and the [[Ta 152 H-1|Ta 152 H-1]]
+
* Decent energy retention
 
* M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns are more powerful than the old .303 Brownings
 
* M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns are more powerful than the old .303 Brownings
 
* Has access to 150 Octane Fuel will increase your engine power by a large margin
 
* Has access to 150 Octane Fuel will increase your engine power by a large margin
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Tendency to break wings its during high speed maneuvers
 
 
* Sub average roll rate can make the plane suffer in tight scissors
 
* Sub average roll rate can make the plane suffer in tight scissors
 
* Limited dive rate, moderate parasitic drag
 
* Limited dive rate, moderate parasitic drag
 
* Limited ammo capacity
 
* Limited ammo capacity
−
* High wing loading makes wings extremely fragile to projectiles during high-G turns
+
* Even slight damage to the wings can greatly impact performance negatively
 
* Poor top speed due to high parasitic drag compared to engine power
 
* Poor top speed due to high parasitic drag compared to engine power
−
* Since it is an 'LF (low flight)' Spitfire, high altitude performance will suffer
+
* Since it is an LF (low-altitude fighter) Spitfire, this Spitfire's performance suffers at high altitude
−
* The 150 Octane Fuel can make the plane easier to ignite and burn to smithereens
+
* Poor ground attack capability
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
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.
+
{{break}}
 +
{{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 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.
  
 
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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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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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 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|MNacjyimuCQ|'''The Shooting Range #95''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 01:57 discusses the Spitfire LF Mk IX.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== 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:''
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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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* ''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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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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;Other late Merlin-engine LF variant Spitfires
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)]]
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* [[Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc]]
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk.IX Weizman's (Israel)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/341985-supermarine-spitfire-lfmkixce/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}

Latest revision as of 10:28, 1 April 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire LF Mk IX. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Spitfire LF Mk IX
spitfire_ix.png
GarageImage Spitfire LF Mk IX.jpg
Spitfire LF Mk IX
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.7 5.0
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

By March 1943, a new version of the Merlin engine had been developed. Designated the Merlin 66, it was even more powerful than the preceding 61 and 63 versions, was tuned for low-altitude operation, and featured a new injection-based carburettor instead of the float carburettor of previous models, completely resolving the fuel-flow issues during zero-G manoeuvres and inverted flight. Spitfire F Mk IXs equipped with this new engine were designated LF (low-altitude fighter) Mk IX (also commonly referred to as the Spitfire Mk IXb). Production of the improved type completely replaced those equipped with older engines by late 1943, and the LF became the most produced variant of the Mk IX, with over 4,000 aircraft built.

Introduced in Update 1.35, the Spitfire LF Mk IX is very much a short range, point interceptor fighter and the stand-out fighter in the mid Spitfire line-up. It features an exceptional rate of climb, whilst still retaining the manoeuvrability of its early lineage. The LF Mk IX is considered by many to be the perfect Spitfire due to its balanced all-round performance and impressive statistics. The last of the Merlin-engined Spitfires before progressing on to the Griffon-powered variants, it has the perfect balance of turning performance (second only to its Japanese counterparts) as well as its "Boom and Zoom" capability that becomes more possible with later model Spitfires. However, the LF Mk IX also reverts to the rather outmoded twin cannon and twin machine gun layout of its predecessors, which can result in rather meagre damage output compared to its contemporaries and opponents.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 878 m659 km/h
Turn time15 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin-66
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,878 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 632 612 11500 16.4 17.0 22.2 22.2 320
Upgraded 731 690 14.8 14.8 43.3 31.8

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 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 350 > 470
Compressor Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
Setting 1 3,600 m 1,440 hp 1,843 hp
Setting 2 6,800 m 1,340 hp 1,664 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural774 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
  • 4 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.
  • 6-7 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.
  • 3 mm Steel plate on top of the fuel tanks.
  • 3 mm Steel boxes around the wing ammunition.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 868 → 3 848 Sl icon.png
RB6 812 → 9 141 Sl icon.png
SB9 432 → 12 657 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 600 Rp icon.png
91 100 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 230 / 480 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods oil.png
150 octane fuel
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50raf_new_gun
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mark 25
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.2
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition270 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition520 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The Spitfire LF Mk IX is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (260 rpg = 520 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 LF Mk IX can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

Usage in battles

The Spitfire LF Mk IX is a fighter aircraft that excels in dogfighting thanks to its high manoeuvrability. It is able to outturn nearly every other plane that it might face, except for a few Japanese fighters. However, engaging in extended turnfights usually should not be the pilot's first course of action when facing an opponent. Instead, the pilot should use the Spitfire's incredible rate of climb to gain an altitude advantage over the enemy. Then, it's easy to boom and zoom over lower-energy targets. This strategy works well thanks to the plane's good energy retention, although its lacklustre guns sometimes makes high-speed shooting unreliable.

If an altitude advantage is not possible, then the aircraft's manoeuvrability can shine. If the enemy can be lured into a turnfight, then there is almost no chance that they can come out on top. In rolling scissors manoeuvres, the Spitfire is also quite capable, but its roll rate may be lacking against some opponents.

At high speeds, the Spitfire tends to compress, losing control authority in both the roll and pitch axes. This can make it surprisingly difficult to recover from steep dives, and given the Spitfire's relatively low red-line speed, it is often necessary to spiral downwards instead of diving straight down if the pilot wishes to lose altitude quickly.

Due to this plane's vulnerabilities, namely a low ammunition load and somewhat flimsy airframe, it is not recommended to attack bombers with heavy defensive armament. In fact, the Hispano cannons' sometimes unreliable damage output means that it can be wise to choose attacking smaller, lighter targets (single-engine fighters) over larger ones (heavy fighters and attackers). All else being equal, and as long as teammates or win conditions are not being immediately threatened, attacking a single-engine fighter instead of a larger plane will usually yield greater results and a quicker victory.

In Ground Realistic battles, the Spitfire is ill-equipped to attack ground targets. Its 20 mm cannons don't have the ammo count or penetration to do reliable damage to armoured targets, and its single 250 lb bomb does little against tanks unless aimed near-perfectly. However, it is still an excellent air superiority fighter. In the dogfight-centric playstyle of aircraft in Ground Realistic battles, the Spitfire's amazing turn rate makes it shine.

Manual Engine Control

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

As with all the other British planes, this plane is also very forgiving when using Manual Engine Settings.

Prop pitch: This should be set to 100% when climbing to utilize the aircraft's superior climb rate. This will come in handy both at the start of a match and during combat. However when in level flight or chasing another plane this can be set back as far to 70-80% to get a few more km/h.

Radiator: The radiator can be set to around 30% when using 100% power, however setting the radiator to around 80% will allow you to use WEP for the entire game.

Supercharger: Switching this at 2,000 m (6,561 ft) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain its climbrate up until 4,500 m, after it will suffer miserably but still climb better than almost every plane. Therefore the supercharger gears should be switched at 2 km (6,561 ft) altitude

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supreme rate of climb that will rival that of the later Griffon Spitfires and most late war props (46.7 m/s in AB, 31.8 m/s in RB/SB when maxed out, beating the F8F-1B at altitudes below 7 km)
  • Excellent low speed acceleration and climb
  • Exceptional manoeuvrability at all altitudes
  • Decent energy retention
  • M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns are more powerful than the old .303 Brownings
  • Has access to 150 Octane Fuel will increase your engine power by a large margin

Cons:

  • Sub average roll rate can make the plane suffer in tight scissors
  • Limited dive rate, moderate parasitic drag
  • Limited ammo capacity
  • Even slight damage to the wings can greatly impact performance negatively
  • Poor top speed due to high parasitic drag compared to engine power
  • Since it is an LF (low-altitude fighter) Spitfire, this Spitfire's performance suffers at high altitude
  • Poor ground attack capability

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 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.

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.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #95 - Metal Beasts section at 01:57 discusses the Spitfire LF Mk IX.

See also

Other late Merlin-engine LF variant Spitfires

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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