Difference between revisions of "Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe"

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{{Specs-Card|code=spitfire_mk18e}}
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{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Spitfire_(Disambiguation)|Spitfire (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
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| link = Spitfire (Family)
 +
}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=spitfire_mk18e
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
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== 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.'' -->
 +
Although visually similar to the Mk XIV, the '''Spitfire Mk XVIIIe''' was purpose-built from scratch as a new project, unlike the Mk XIV which was a Spitfire Mk VIII fuselage with a Griffon engine. The Mk XVIIIe received strengthened fuselage, gear, and airframe due to the added weight of the additional wing and fuselage fuel tanks. 299 of the Mk XVIIIe were made, the first 99 being in fighter configuration, with the remaining 200 for photo reconnaissance. The Mk XVIIIe was equipped with a type "E" wing, featuring two 20 mm Hispano cannons and two 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns. The Mk XVIIIe came too late to take part in WWII. Instead, between 1948 and 1949, they engaged in fighting Egyptian and Israeli Spitfires with 32nd and 208th Squadron RAF in Palestine.
 +
 
 +
The Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe was introduced in [[Update 1.41]]. Featuring much greater engine power due to its Griffon engine, the Mk XVIIIe is faster than the previous Merlin-powered variants, at cost of decreased manoeuvrability. However the Spitfire is still able to out-turn most of its opponents, while retaining the great climb rate and speed as well as superior armament.
  
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
 
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{{break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating|2}}. This aircraft was introduced in Update 1.41.
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,927 m)
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 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)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! ABN1K2-J
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! Stock
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
| 687 || 664 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.2 || 19.9 || 17.9 || 17.9 || rowspan="2" | 420
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Upgraded
−
! RB
+
| 765 || 718 || 17.4 || 18.1 || 35.8 || 23.3
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====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 || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
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! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
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! 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}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 260 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
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! 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 || < 350 || > 500
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 4,600 m || 1,510 hp || 2,129 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 112: Line 92:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 8,600 m || 1,320 hp || 1,824 hp
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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* No armour plating
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
* No armour glazing
+
 
 +
* 6 mm Steel plate in front of engine above the propeller.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate between fuel tanks.
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
 +
* 4 mm Steel plates behind the pilot, coupled with another 4-7 mm Steel plate behind that.
 +
* 3 mm Steel plates around ammunition.
 +
 
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
−
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
+
* More fuel tanks located in wings leading edge
 +
 
 +
=== 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|MAC 1934 (7.5 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:
  
−
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
* 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 ===
+
 
−
''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.''-->
+
=== Suspended armament ===
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
−
<!--
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|RP-3}}
−
''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.''
+
 
−
-->
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
== 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).''-->
+
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (750 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bomb (500 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bomb + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe is nearly identical in playstyle to its predecessor, the Spitfire Mk XIVe. The only major difference between the two vehicles is the latter's ability to carry a larger and more diverse selection of suspended armament. Primarily, the Spitfire is the pinnacle of dogfighting at mid to high altitude. This fighter excels at catching unsuspecting pilots still climbing to altitude and excels in a turning and energy fighting playstyle.
 +
 
 +
With a powerful Griffon engine, this plane has amazing acceleration and climb rate--even better than that of the Merlin Spitfires. Although less manoeuvrable than they are, this Spitfire is still very capable in turnfights. Indeed, its mix of turning ability and engine performance is one of this vehicle's greatest strengths.
 +
 
 +
This aircraft has an ideal operating altitude of between 4,000 m and 6,000 m due to the properties of the Griffon engine, but this aircraft has no problems climbing past that altitude.  However, manoeuvrability is slightly compromised at altitudes higher than 7,000 m. This aircraft excels at energy dogfighting, a mix between energy fighting and dogfighting. The insanely good acceleration coupled with the great climb rate and energy retention allows this aircraft to excel in horizontal dogfighting as well as vertical energy manoeuvres. Don't get into extended energy fights as many pure energy fighters can outdo this aircraft in pure energy fights.
 +
 
 +
American aircraft can outdo this plane in speed and energy retention, but cannot dogfight this plane very well. German planes are even more dangerous due to their high top speed and energy retention. This plane can adequately fight Japanese aircraft, but Zeroes can turn faster than the Spitfire, though they don't accelerate in a straight line as quickly. If you stay up above 4,000 m, you can deal effectively with most Soviet aircraft, which perform best lower down.
 +
 
 +
Boom and zoom attacks and pure energy fights are this plane's weakness; it does not hold up well in drawn-out fights of speed.
 +
 
 +
This plane is armed with both 20 mm cannons and 12.7 mm machine guns. They don't carry an extremely large ammunition pool but don't have too little either. A little bit of spray is fine, but it would still be wise to keep an eye on ammo count. In order to preserve cannon ammo, it is possible to fire the machine guns independently; this can be helpful in gauging the lead required to fire at enemies far away.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, this vehicle can mount up to 1,000 lbs of bombs or 8 RP-3 rockets. These can be used in Air Realistic Battles to destroy pillboxes and tanks. Even better, they are deadly in Ground Realistic battles, where they can destroy even heavily-armoured tanks. The quantity of suspended armament available to this aircraft and its very good dogfighting capabilities make this plane very effective in mixed battles: after dropping ordnance to destroy ground targets, the pilot can then shift to an air-superiority role, protecting friendly ground units from enemy attackers and fighters.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== 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
 
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|  
 
−
|  
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|  
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle regarding its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Great rate of climb
 +
* Excellent turning ability and good roll rate
 +
* Good zoom climber
 +
* Fast acceleration
 +
* Cools well at 100% throttle
 +
* Dive speed and handling is very good
 +
* Able to mount bombs or rockets
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Engine and cooling systems are easily damaged
 +
* Requires slow landing speeds
 +
* Unimpressive ammunition count
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{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 Mk.XVIII was a single engine single, seat fighter which served with the Royal Air Force during the early post war period. After the initial teething problems encountered with the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to the Spitfire line, the Spitfire Mk.XIV had been used successfully in large numbers in the European Theatre of Operations. The Mk.XIV had seen notable modifications and transitions throughout its wartime service; the Spitfire Mk.XVIII built on this experience.
 +
 
 +
The Spitfire Mk.XVIII was also equipped with a Rolls Royce Griffon 65 engine with two stage supercharger rated at 2050 hp, high visibility teardrop canopy and a Type E Wing with two Hispano 20 mm cannon and two .50 cal Browning machine guns or four 20 mm cannons and externally was very similar to the later production Mk.XIV Spitfires. However, the Spitfire Mk.XVIII also featured a strengthened fuselage and an additional 31-gallon fuel tank in the rear fuselage.
 +
 
 +
The Spitfire Mk.XVIII entered service with No.60 Squadron at Singapore in January 1947. The Mk.XVIII was used offensively against insurgents during the Malayan uprising. The Mk.XVIII was also involved in air-to-air combat during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War where in one famous incident, two Israeli Spitfire Mk.IXs flown by a Canadian and an American pilot shot down four RAF Spitfire Mk.XVIIIs of No.208 Squadron.
 +
 
 +
Some 300 Spitfire Mk.XVIIIs were built with only the Royal Indian Air Force purchasing 20 as an export customer.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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_mk18e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|MNacjyimuCQ|'''The Shooting Range #95''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 04:39 discusses the Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe.|YrotBJk-VYk|'''The Shooting Range #124''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:28 discusses the Griffons.|8POTLnXuS_I|'''Hangar 10''' - 37 litre GRIFFON Spitfire Mk.18.}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''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;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/341990-supermarine-spitfire-fmkxviiie/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
−
{{Britian fighters}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 +
{{Britain fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:22, 16 January 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the British fighter Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe
spitfire_mk18e.png
GarageImage Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe.jpg
Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.7 5.3
Class:
Research:27 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Although visually similar to the Mk XIV, the Spitfire Mk XVIIIe was purpose-built from scratch as a new project, unlike the Mk XIV which was a Spitfire Mk VIII fuselage with a Griffon engine. The Mk XVIIIe received strengthened fuselage, gear, and airframe due to the added weight of the additional wing and fuselage fuel tanks. 299 of the Mk XVIIIe were made, the first 99 being in fighter configuration, with the remaining 200 for photo reconnaissance. The Mk XVIIIe was equipped with a type "E" wing, featuring two 20 mm Hispano cannons and two 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns. The Mk XVIIIe came too late to take part in WWII. Instead, between 1948 and 1949, they engaged in fighting Egyptian and Israeli Spitfires with 32nd and 208th Squadron RAF in Palestine.

The Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe was introduced in Update 1.41. Featuring much greater engine power due to its Griffon engine, the Mk XVIIIe is faster than the previous Merlin-powered variants, at cost of decreased manoeuvrability. However the Spitfire is still able to out-turn most of its opponents, while retaining the great climb rate and speed as well as superior armament.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 400 m721 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude12 000 m
EngineRolls-Royce Griffon-65
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,927 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 687 664 12000 19.2 19.9 17.9 17.9 420
Upgraded 765 718 17.4 18.1 35.8 23.3

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 + -
798 260 N/A N/A 260 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 350 > 500
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,600 m 1,510 hp 2,129 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
8,600 m 1,320 hp 1,824 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural798 km/h
Gear260 km/h
  • 6 mm Steel plate in front of engine above the propeller.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate between fuel tanks.
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
  • 4 mm Steel plates behind the pilot, coupled with another 4-7 mm Steel plate behind that.
  • 3 mm Steel plates around ammunition.
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings leading edge

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 470 → 3 213 Sl icon.png
RB5 880 → 7 649 Sl icon.png
SB8 470 → 11 019 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications46 800 Rp icon.png
85 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 210 / 440 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.2
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50raf_new_gun
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.3
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SMBC mk.2
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.8
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
340 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 F Mk XVIIIe 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 (5)
Setup 12 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 23 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 31 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 42 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
1 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 58 x RP-3 rockets
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), RP-3

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

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  • 3 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (750 lb total)
  • 1 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bomb (500 lb total)
  • 1 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bomb + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

The Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe is nearly identical in playstyle to its predecessor, the Spitfire Mk XIVe. The only major difference between the two vehicles is the latter's ability to carry a larger and more diverse selection of suspended armament. Primarily, the Spitfire is the pinnacle of dogfighting at mid to high altitude. This fighter excels at catching unsuspecting pilots still climbing to altitude and excels in a turning and energy fighting playstyle.

With a powerful Griffon engine, this plane has amazing acceleration and climb rate--even better than that of the Merlin Spitfires. Although less manoeuvrable than they are, this Spitfire is still very capable in turnfights. Indeed, its mix of turning ability and engine performance is one of this vehicle's greatest strengths.

This aircraft has an ideal operating altitude of between 4,000 m and 6,000 m due to the properties of the Griffon engine, but this aircraft has no problems climbing past that altitude. However, manoeuvrability is slightly compromised at altitudes higher than 7,000 m. This aircraft excels at energy dogfighting, a mix between energy fighting and dogfighting. The insanely good acceleration coupled with the great climb rate and energy retention allows this aircraft to excel in horizontal dogfighting as well as vertical energy manoeuvres. Don't get into extended energy fights as many pure energy fighters can outdo this aircraft in pure energy fights.

American aircraft can outdo this plane in speed and energy retention, but cannot dogfight this plane very well. German planes are even more dangerous due to their high top speed and energy retention. This plane can adequately fight Japanese aircraft, but Zeroes can turn faster than the Spitfire, though they don't accelerate in a straight line as quickly. If you stay up above 4,000 m, you can deal effectively with most Soviet aircraft, which perform best lower down.

Boom and zoom attacks and pure energy fights are this plane's weakness; it does not hold up well in drawn-out fights of speed.

This plane is armed with both 20 mm cannons and 12.7 mm machine guns. They don't carry an extremely large ammunition pool but don't have too little either. A little bit of spray is fine, but it would still be wise to keep an eye on ammo count. In order to preserve cannon ammo, it is possible to fire the machine guns independently; this can be helpful in gauging the lead required to fire at enemies far away.

Additionally, this vehicle can mount up to 1,000 lbs of bombs or 8 RP-3 rockets. These can be used in Air Realistic Battles to destroy pillboxes and tanks. Even better, they are deadly in Ground Realistic battles, where they can destroy even heavily-armoured tanks. The quantity of suspended armament available to this aircraft and its very good dogfighting capabilities make this plane very effective in mixed battles: after dropping ordnance to destroy ground targets, the pilot can then shift to an air-superiority role, protecting friendly ground units from enemy attackers and fighters.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not 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 rate of climb
  • Excellent turning ability and good roll rate
  • Good zoom climber
  • Fast acceleration
  • Cools well at 100% throttle
  • Dive speed and handling is very good
  • Able to mount bombs or rockets

Cons:

  • Engine and cooling systems are easily damaged
  • Requires slow landing speeds
  • Unimpressive ammunition count

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIII was a single engine single, seat fighter which served with the Royal Air Force during the early post war period. After the initial teething problems encountered with the introduction of the Rolls Royce Griffon engine to the Spitfire line, the Spitfire Mk.XIV had been used successfully in large numbers in the European Theatre of Operations. The Mk.XIV had seen notable modifications and transitions throughout its wartime service; the Spitfire Mk.XVIII built on this experience.

The Spitfire Mk.XVIII was also equipped with a Rolls Royce Griffon 65 engine with two stage supercharger rated at 2050 hp, high visibility teardrop canopy and a Type E Wing with two Hispano 20 mm cannon and two .50 cal Browning machine guns or four 20 mm cannons and externally was very similar to the later production Mk.XIV Spitfires. However, the Spitfire Mk.XVIII also featured a strengthened fuselage and an additional 31-gallon fuel tank in the rear fuselage.

The Spitfire Mk.XVIII entered service with No.60 Squadron at Singapore in January 1947. The Mk.XVIII was used offensively against insurgents during the Malayan uprising. The Mk.XVIII was also involved in air-to-air combat during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War where in one famous incident, two Israeli Spitfire Mk.IXs flown by a Canadian and an American pilot shot down four RAF Spitfire Mk.XVIIIs of No.208 Squadron.

Some 300 Spitfire Mk.XVIIIs were built with only the Royal Indian Air Force purchasing 20 as an export customer.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #95 - Metal Beasts section at 04:39 discusses the Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe.
The Shooting Range #124 - War Machines section at 00:28 discusses the Griffons.
Hangar 10 - 37 litre GRIFFON Spitfire Mk.18.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

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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