Difference between revisions of "Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_ix_plagis}}
+
{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Spitfire_(Disambiguation)|Spitfire (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
| about = premium gift British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=spitfire_ix_plagis
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.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.'' -->
 +
John Plagis was the highest scoring Southern Rhodesian ace of the Second World War, achieving at least 16 aerial victories. Plagis flew the Spitfire LF Mk IX (coded "5J-K", tail number ML214) between 20 June to 7 October 1944 and scored four air victories. While participating in Operation Market Garden, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Arnhem, Netherlands, though he was able to walk away with only minor injuries. His squadron was later re-equipped with Mustang IIIs, in which he served in bomber escort roles until the end of the war. After the war, he flew [[Meteor F Mk 3|Gloster Meteors]] and other jet aircraft until his retirement in 1948.
  
−
[[File:GarageImage_Plagis_Spitfire_LF_Mk_IXc.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]], Plagis' 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, being equipped with the "C" type wing, the Mk IXc is armed with four Browning .303 machine guns to accompany its twin Hispano cannons, which are rather weak compared to the twin .50 cal M2 Browning and Hispano format of contemporary Spitfire models.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift Rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating|3}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.49_"Weapons_of_Victory"|Update 1.70.1945 "Weapons of Victory'']]. The plane is painted after the camouflage scheme of the plane used by Southern Rhodesian pilot John Plagis of the No.126 Squadron, Royal Air Force.  
 
  
−
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 engine 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.
+
Plagis' Spitfire was removed from the Gaijin store in [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/311904-clearance-sale-50-off-various-packs33 May 2016]. It has been made available again in the store for the [[wt:en/news/6866-special-80-year-anniversary-of-battle-of-britain-en|2020 "80<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the Battle of Britain"]] event and the [[wt:en/news/7154-shop-may-sale-in-the-gaijin-store-en|2021 May sale]]. It has also been available in-game for Golden Eagles {{GE}} for a limited time during the British [[wt:en/news/5438-raf-100-royal-air-force-centenary-en|2018 "Royal Air Force Centenary"]], the [[wt:en/news/7338-special-battle-of-britain-day-en|2021]], [[wt:en/news/7871-special-battle-of-britain-day-en|2022]], [[wt:en/news/8465-special-raf-spitfires-and-a-decal-available-for-battle-of-britain-day-en|2023]] and [[wt:en/news/9087-shop-special-the-few-decal-two-fighters-and-discounts-for-battle-of-britain-day-en|2024]] "Battle of Britain Day" and the [[wt:en/news/7575-special-spitfire-mk-ix-first-flight-en|2022 "Spitfire Mk.IX first flight"]] mini-events.
  
−
'''''Manual Engine Control usage'''''<br>
+
== General info ==
−
As with all the other British planes, this plane is also very forgiving when using Manual Engine Settings
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
 
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
''Prop pitch'': This should be set to 100% when climbing to utilize its 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 kph (or mph).
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
 
 
−
''Radiator'': as soon as you unlock the radiator module you can set this to 30% and leave it there for the entire match. On Sicily however, you want to set it to 35-40% until you reach 6,000 m (19,685 feet)
 
  
−
''Supercharger'': Switching this at 2,000 m (6,561 feet) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain it's climb rate 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 feet) altitude
+
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 engine 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.
  
−
== 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 4,878 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| ? || ? || 11,500 || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || 320
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,878 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
+
| 632 || 611 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.4 || 17.0 || 22.2 || 22.2 || rowspan="2" | 320
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || ? || 11,500 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || 320
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 731 || 690 || 14.8 || 14.8 || 43.3 || 31.8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====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 !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 774 || 260 <!--|| ??? -->|| ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 230 || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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 || < 450 || > 250
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
|-
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
|-
 
−
! 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
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 6,200 m || 1,310 hp || 1,978 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 
−
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
 
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
 
* 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
 
* 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
 
* 3 mm Steel plates above and around the fuselage fuel tank
 
* 3 mm Steel plates above and around the fuselage fuel tank
 
* 3 mm Steel plates around the wing ammunition
 
* 3 mm Steel plates around the wing 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|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning .303 (7.7 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)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
Line 156: Line 104:
  
 
=== 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)}}
  
−
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following:
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 1 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb (250 lb)
+
* 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).''-->
 
−
Plagis' Spitfire is a capable fighter which plays similar to the Spitfire Mk.IX, but with minor changes.
 
  
−
A recommended play-style is climbing directly through the enemies climb path to cut it off and get directly above them using your superior climb rate. This will stop them from getting above you into their favourable territory.  
+
== 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).'' -->
 +
Plagis' Spitfire is a capable fighter which plays similar to the Spitfire Mk.IX, but with minor changes.
 +
 
 +
A recommended play-style is climbing directly through the enemies climb path to cut it off and get directly above them using your superior climb rate. This will stop them from getting above you into their favourable territory.
  
 
: If this fails, try baiting the enemy planes down to a lower altitude and turn engaging in a turn fight with them.
 
: If this fails, try baiting the enemy planes down to a lower altitude and turn engaging in a turn fight with them.
−
 
−
''Some tactics to drag them down without getting shot down yourself are these:''
 
  
−
:* When they are diving on your six pull up to a 40-degree angle, when they are 0.80 km away from you, please note that this only works when they approach from a high angle, otherwise roll down and then a hard left.  
+
''Some tactics to drag them down without getting shot down yourself are these:''
−
+
 
−
:* When they engage from the sides roll and go towards their direction, do not perform a head-on but dive under them, if they follow they will burn a lot of energy.  
+
:* When they are diving on your six pull up to a 40-degree angle, when they are 0.80 km away from you, please note that this only works when they approach from a high angle, otherwise roll down and then hard left.
−
+
 
−
:* If they engage from the front for a boom and zoom dive down and turn a hard left and then immediately a hard right shaking them off or wasting their energy.  
+
:* When they engage from the sides roll and go towards their direction, do not perform a head-on but dive under them, if they follow they will burn a lot of energy.
−
+
 
−
As for climbing, the optimal airspeed is 240 kph, or use 20 degrees for a rush and 30 degrees to gain altitude fast. Do not dive over 700 kph if this happens, pull up slowly. Wings will rip with positive G forces at 540 kph after that make small turns. The aircraft can not handle negative G forces at all, only perform under 300 km/h recommended to roll over.
+
:* If they engage from the front for a boom and zoom dive down and turn hard left and then immediately a hard right shaking them off or wasting their energy.
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
 
 +
As for climbing, the optimal airspeed is 240 km/h, or use 20 degrees for a rush and 30 degrees to gain altitude fast. Do not dive over 700 km/h if this happens, pull up slowly. Wings will rip with positive G forces at 540 km/h after that make small turns. The aircraft can not handle negative G forces at all, only perform under 300 km/h recommended to roll over.
 +
 
 +
=== 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>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 its 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 mph).
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
* Radiator: as soon as you unlock the radiator module you can set this to 30% and leave it there for the entire match. On Sicily however, you want to set it to 35-40% until you reach 6,000 m (19,685 feet).
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
* Supercharger: Switching this at 2,000 m (6,561 feet) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain it's climb rate 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 feet) altitude.
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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:'''
 +
 
* One of the best climb rates of any propeller driven aircraft in the game
 
* One of the best climb rates of any propeller driven aircraft in the game
 
* Excellent low altitude performance
 
* Excellent low altitude performance
−
* Great all around maneuverability
+
* Great all around manoeuvrability
 
* Good low-level performance (below 7 km)
 
* Good low-level performance (below 7 km)
 
* The .303 Brownings have similar ballistics with the Hispanos and can act as a guide when aiming
 
* The .303 Brownings have similar ballistics with the Hispanos and can act as a guide when aiming
Line 249: Line 168:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Not a lot of ammo, must be conservative when shooting
 
* Not a lot of ammo, must be conservative when shooting
 
* Hispanos tend to jam quick, leaving you with only the machine guns
 
* Hispanos tend to jam quick, leaving you with only the machine guns
 
* Poor mid-high altitude performance
 
* Poor mid-high altitude performance
 
* Fragile, will not take any punishment at all
 
* Fragile, will not take any punishment at all
−
* .303 Brownings don't do much damage  
+
* .303 Brownings don't do much damage
 
* Really low flap ripping speed
 
* Really low flap ripping speed
 
* Average acceleration
 
* Average acceleration
  
 
== 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).''
 +
 
 +
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
[[File:John_Plagis_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|John Plagis]] and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the '''Spitfire Mk IXc''' towards the end of the war before transitioning to Mustang IIIs.]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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_ix_plagis Skins and camouflages for {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|EojebA1MV3E|'''Plagis' Spitfire Mk. IX Premium Review''' - ''MikeGoesBoom''|vwTKep_k1BU|'''Arcade: Plagis' Spitfire LF. Mk IX Review''' - ''Jengar''}}
  
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== Read also ==
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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,''
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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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== Sources ==
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;Other late Merlin-engine LF variant Spitfires
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)]]
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]
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* [[Spitfire LF Mk.IX Weizman's (Israel)]]
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== External links ==
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* ''other literature.''
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* [[wt:en/news/2943--en|[Article Series] Weapons of Victory: Plagis' Spitfire Mk. IXc]]
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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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{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
 
{{Britain fighters}}
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{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 14:30, 18 September 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the premium gift British fighter Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
spitfire_ix_plagis.png
GarageImage Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc.jpg
Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.7 5.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

John Plagis was the highest scoring Southern Rhodesian ace of the Second World War, achieving at least 16 aerial victories. Plagis flew the Spitfire LF Mk IX (coded "5J-K", tail number ML214) between 20 June to 7 October 1944 and scored four air victories. While participating in Operation Market Garden, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Arnhem, Netherlands, though he was able to walk away with only minor injuries. His squadron was later re-equipped with Mustang IIIs, in which he served in bomber escort roles until the end of the war. After the war, he flew Gloster Meteors and other jet aircraft until his retirement in 1948.

Introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory", Plagis' 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, being equipped with the "C" type wing, the Mk IXc is armed with four Browning .303 machine guns to accompany its twin Hispano cannons, which are rather weak compared to the twin .50 cal M2 Browning and Hispano format of contemporary Spitfire models.

Plagis' Spitfire was removed from the Gaijin store in May 2016. It has been made available again in the store for the 2020 "80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain" event and the 2021 May sale. It has also been available in-game for Golden Eagles Ge icon.png for a limited time during the British 2018 "Royal Air Force Centenary", the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 "Battle of Britain Day" and the 2022 "Spitfire Mk.IX first flight" mini-events.

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

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 engine 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.

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 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 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 450 > 250

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural774 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
  • 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • 3 mm Steel plates above and around the fuselage fuel tank
  • 3 mm Steel plates around the wing ammunition

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 695 Sl icon.png
RB4 699 Sl icon.png
SB5 236 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts290 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces960 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 220 / 440 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 166 / 166 / 166 % 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
bmg303_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mark 25
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.2
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943

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)

Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc 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)

Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

Usage in battles

Plagis' Spitfire is a capable fighter which plays similar to the Spitfire Mk.IX, but with minor changes.

A recommended play-style is climbing directly through the enemies climb path to cut it off and get directly above them using your superior climb rate. This will stop them from getting above you into their favourable territory.

If this fails, try baiting the enemy planes down to a lower altitude and turn engaging in a turn fight with them.

Some tactics to drag them down without getting shot down yourself are these:

  • When they are diving on your six pull up to a 40-degree angle, when they are 0.80 km away from you, please note that this only works when they approach from a high angle, otherwise roll down and then hard left.
  • When they engage from the sides roll and go towards their direction, do not perform a head-on but dive under them, if they follow they will burn a lot of energy.
  • If they engage from the front for a boom and zoom dive down and turn hard left and then immediately a hard right shaking them off or wasting their energy.

As for climbing, the optimal airspeed is 240 km/h, or use 20 degrees for a rush and 30 degrees to gain altitude fast. Do not dive over 700 km/h if this happens, pull up slowly. Wings will rip with positive G forces at 540 km/h after that make small turns. The aircraft can not handle negative G forces at all, only perform under 300 km/h recommended to roll over.

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 its 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 mph).
  • Radiator: as soon as you unlock the radiator module you can set this to 30% and leave it there for the entire match. On Sicily however, you want to set it to 35-40% until you reach 6,000 m (19,685 feet).
  • Supercharger: Switching this at 2,000 m (6,561 feet) will give you quite a boost in performance and it will retain it's climb rate 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 feet) altitude.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the best climb rates of any propeller driven aircraft in the game
  • Excellent low altitude performance
  • Great all around manoeuvrability
  • Good low-level performance (below 7 km)
  • The .303 Brownings have similar ballistics with the Hispanos and can act as a guide when aiming
  • Good dive control
  • Great energy retention

Cons:

  • Not a lot of ammo, must be conservative when shooting
  • Hispanos tend to jam quick, leaving you with only the machine guns
  • Poor mid-high altitude performance
  • Fragile, will not take any punishment at all
  • .303 Brownings don't do much damage
  • Really low flap ripping speed
  • Average acceleration

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Notable pilots

Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot John Plagis and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the Spitfire Mk IXc towards the end of the war before transitioning to Mustang IIIs.

Media

Skins
Videos
Plagis' Spitfire Mk. IX Premium Review - MikeGoesBoom
Arcade: Plagis' Spitfire LF. Mk IX Review - Jengar

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

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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