Difference between revisions of "Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel)"

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 +
{{About
 +
| about = Israeli gift fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman
 
|code=spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|store=10590
 
|store=10590
 
}}
 
}}
Line 7: Line 12:
 
== 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.'' -->
−
'''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
+
The Spitfire got into Israeli hands during the 1948 War of Independence and by the end of the war, most of the IAF's fighters were Spitfires of different models. The Black Spitfire (originally No. 2057) arrived in Israel in 1949 after the war. It served with the 101 in the same way as other Spitfires: reconnaissance and escort missions. When most Spitfires were sold to Burma in 1954, Ezer Weizman, then commander of the Ramat David air force base and future President of Israel, argued in favour of keeping some units in Israel. The Spitfire was painted black with the number 57. Even though it was supposed to be used for training purposes, many considered the aircraft to be personally owned by Ezer Weizman and the plane was flown in numerous parades in Israel, becoming known as "Weizman's Black Spit".
 +
 
 +
Introduced as a [[wt:en/news/7383-development-israel-a-new-gaming-nation-coming-to-war-thunder-en|premium pack]] in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], '''Ezer Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk IXe''' is a formidable fighter. It has very good climb rate and acceleration, alongside the dogfight capabilities that are present in all Spitfires. Is capable of outmanoeuvring except maybe for some Japanese planes at its BR. However, some of its weaknesses are the lacking ground ordnance, thus is very hard to use for close air support, and the relatively weak engine. Though it is not a slow plane by any means, it will constantly fight planes that are much faster, and have better energy retention, including the [[I-225]], [[Yak-3U]], and [[P-51 (Family)|P-51s]]. Thus, very accurate shots are required, because the Spitfire loses speed rather quickly in dogfights against some of these aircraft, that way, prolonged fights are not recommended.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 20:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''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" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 26: Line 32:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 632 || 611 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.4 || 17.0 || 22.2 || 22.2 || rowspan="2" | 320
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 735 || 690 || 14.8 || 14.8 || 43.3 || 31.8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 470
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 72: Line 78:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.
 +
* 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 ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 103: Line 114:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
This plane is a formidable opponent when going against it. It has an astounding climb rate with a decent armament and still maintains that superb turn time that spitfires are known for. Because it is a low altitude variant, it is wise to stay below 5,000 m to get the best performance possible. Remember to use your supercharger when above 2,000 m: it will grant you a significant performance increase. Climbing is a valid strategy when you first spawn in because of your amazing climb rate. You are nearly guaranteed a height advantage over everyone. Maintain your altitude and lure enemies into a turn fight as there isn't anyone at your battle rating that can outturn you, the exception being a couple Japanese planes. Although this plane is a good turnfighter, exploiting your turn rate too much can lead to bleed a lot of energy and become an easy target for other planes. This plane is reasonably fast but for sure not the fastest at its rating. Do not head on with this plane. The 20 mm Hispano cannons are inaccurate, and jam quickly, even when fully upgraded. Instead, dodge and start a turn fight where the Spitfire will almost always come out on top.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
−
''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 climb rate
 +
* Fast turn rate for its battle rating
 +
* Good ground strike ability for a fighter
 +
* Carries bombs and rockets for ground attack
 +
* Premium bonuses
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Since it is a LF Spitfire variant (low-altitude fighter), its performance suffers at high altitude
 +
* Not the fastest at its battle rating
 +
* Terrible energy fighter
 +
* Bleeds a lot of speed when turning
 +
* Weapons are mounted far apart in the wings
  
 
== 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></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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
Shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel, its new Defense Ministry began work on the formation of a more organised air force as a branch of the new Israel Defense Force. The first planes purchased were Czechoslovakian Avia S-199s - a partially-improvised version of the Bf 109 - but these proved to be inferior to Egyptian Air Force Spitfires. Simultaneously, Israel began acquiring its own Spitfires (primarily surplus planes previously given to Czechoslovakia by Britain) in a series of politically - and functionally - complex operations. By the end of the war, most combat aircraft in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) were Spitfires of whatever models could be acquired.
 +
 
 +
The Black Spitfire originally arrived in Israel in November 1949 (months after the official end of the war), and initially bore the number 2057. It served in the 101 fighter squadron. By this time, Spitfires were only used as bomber escorts and for reconnaissance flights. Most Israeli Spitfires were eventually sold to Burma in 1954; however, Ezer Weizman - then commander of the Ramat David air force base - argued to keep several of the aircraft in Israel. He ordered one of those aircraft, including number 2057, to be painted black, to match the colour scheme used by his former British airbase commander in Rhodesia during World War II, when Weizman trained as a pilot in the RAF. The plane was renumbered to "57".
 +
 
 +
Weizman kept the aircraft for training purposes in the IAF, but it was unofficially understood to be his own personal plane. Weizman later became Commander of the IAF and eventually retired, but nevertheless kept flying the plane during multiple IAF air parades over the following decades. The plane became famous in Israel as "Weizman's Black Spit", and was closely associated with the man. Weizman went on to become a member of the Israeli parliament, its Minister of Defense, and finally the President of the State of Israel. During his funeral in 2005 the Black Spit was flown over the burial ceremony.
 +
 
 +
The Black Spit is one of about 60 Spitfires that are still operational today. When not undergoing maintenance, it is occasionally kept on public display at the IAF Museum near Be'er Sheva.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|mF0d3bos75I|'''The Shooting Range #281''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 127: Line 176:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Other late Merlin-engine LF variant Spitfires
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)]]
 +
* [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]
 +
* [[Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 138: Line 190:
 
* [[wt:en/news/7383-development-israel-a-new-gaming-nation-coming-to-war-thunder-en|[Devblog] Israel, a new gaming nation coming to War Thunder!]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7383-development-israel-a-new-gaming-nation-coming-to-war-thunder-en|[Devblog] Israel, a new gaming nation coming to War Thunder!]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Israel fighters}}
 
{{Israel fighters}}
 
{{Israel premium aircraft}}
 
{{Israel premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 12:48, 19 June 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Israeli gift fighter Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel). For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe
spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman.png
GarageImage Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel).jpg
StoreImage Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel).jpg
Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe
Israel flag.png Israel
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.7 5.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

The Spitfire got into Israeli hands during the 1948 War of Independence and by the end of the war, most of the IAF's fighters were Spitfires of different models. The Black Spitfire (originally No. 2057) arrived in Israel in 1949 after the war. It served with the 101 in the same way as other Spitfires: reconnaissance and escort missions. When most Spitfires were sold to Burma in 1954, Ezer Weizman, then commander of the Ramat David air force base and future President of Israel, argued in favour of keeping some units in Israel. The Spitfire was painted black with the number 57. Even though it was supposed to be used for training purposes, many considered the aircraft to be personally owned by Ezer Weizman and the plane was flown in numerous parades in Israel, becoming known as "Weizman's Black Spit".

Introduced as a premium pack in Update "Ground Breaking", Ezer Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk IXe is a formidable fighter. It has very good climb rate and acceleration, alongside the dogfight capabilities that are present in all Spitfires. Is capable of outmanoeuvring except maybe for some Japanese planes at its BR. However, some of its weaknesses are the lacking ground ordnance, thus is very hard to use for close air support, and the relatively weak engine. Though it is not a slow plane by any means, it will constantly fight planes that are much faster, and have better energy retention, including the I-225, Yak-3U, and P-51s. Thus, very accurate shots are required, because the Spitfire loses speed rather quickly in dogfights against some of these aircraft, that way, prolonged fights are not recommended.

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 632 611 11500 16.4 17.0 22.2 22.2 320
Upgraded 735 690 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

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 cost
AB1 941 Sl icon.png
RB4 282 Sl icon.png
SB6 013 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts320 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 050 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 230 / 480 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods oil.png
150 octane fuel
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.5
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50raf_new_gun
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
8-cm Flz.-Rakete
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943

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)

Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel) 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 116 x 8-cm Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets
Setup 22 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
Setup 32 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
16 x 8-cm Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets
Main articles: AN-M57 (250 lb), Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon

Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 16 x Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets
  • 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 16 x Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets (500 lb total)

Usage in battles

This plane is a formidable opponent when going against it. It has an astounding climb rate with a decent armament and still maintains that superb turn time that spitfires are known for. Because it is a low altitude variant, it is wise to stay below 5,000 m to get the best performance possible. Remember to use your supercharger when above 2,000 m: it will grant you a significant performance increase. Climbing is a valid strategy when you first spawn in because of your amazing climb rate. You are nearly guaranteed a height advantage over everyone. Maintain your altitude and lure enemies into a turn fight as there isn't anyone at your battle rating that can outturn you, the exception being a couple Japanese planes. Although this plane is a good turnfighter, exploiting your turn rate too much can lead to bleed a lot of energy and become an easy target for other planes. This plane is reasonably fast but for sure not the fastest at its rating. Do not head on with this plane. The 20 mm Hispano cannons are inaccurate, and jam quickly, even when fully upgraded. Instead, dodge and start a turn fight where the Spitfire will almost always come out on top.

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great climb rate
  • Fast turn rate for its battle rating
  • Good ground strike ability for a fighter
  • Carries bombs and rockets for ground attack
  • Premium bonuses

Cons:

  • Since it is a LF Spitfire variant (low-altitude fighter), its performance suffers at high altitude
  • Not the fastest at its battle rating
  • Terrible energy fighter
  • Bleeds a lot of speed when turning
  • Weapons are mounted far apart in the wings

History

Shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel, its new Defense Ministry began work on the formation of a more organised air force as a branch of the new Israel Defense Force. The first planes purchased were Czechoslovakian Avia S-199s - a partially-improvised version of the Bf 109 - but these proved to be inferior to Egyptian Air Force Spitfires. Simultaneously, Israel began acquiring its own Spitfires (primarily surplus planes previously given to Czechoslovakia by Britain) in a series of politically - and functionally - complex operations. By the end of the war, most combat aircraft in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) were Spitfires of whatever models could be acquired.

The Black Spitfire originally arrived in Israel in November 1949 (months after the official end of the war), and initially bore the number 2057. It served in the 101 fighter squadron. By this time, Spitfires were only used as bomber escorts and for reconnaissance flights. Most Israeli Spitfires were eventually sold to Burma in 1954; however, Ezer Weizman - then commander of the Ramat David air force base - argued to keep several of the aircraft in Israel. He ordered one of those aircraft, including number 2057, to be painted black, to match the colour scheme used by his former British airbase commander in Rhodesia during World War II, when Weizman trained as a pilot in the RAF. The plane was renumbered to "57".

Weizman kept the aircraft for training purposes in the IAF, but it was unofficially understood to be his own personal plane. Weizman later became Commander of the IAF and eventually retired, but nevertheless kept flying the plane during multiple IAF air parades over the following decades. The plane became famous in Israel as "Weizman's Black Spit", and was closely associated with the man. Weizman went on to become a member of the Israeli parliament, its Minister of Defense, and finally the President of the State of Israel. During his funeral in 2005 the Black Spit was flown over the burial ceremony.

The Black Spit is one of about 60 Spitfires that are still operational today. When not undergoing maintenance, it is occasionally kept on public display at the IAF Museum near Be'er Sheva.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #281 - Metal Beasts section at 00:26 discusses the Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel).

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

Israel fighters
Bf 109  Sakeen
P-51  P-51D-20-NA
Spitfires  Spitfire Mk IXc · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW)

Israel premium aircraft
Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · F-84F · A-4E · Kfir Canard

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