SUPERMARINE HIGH-SPEED SPITFIRE
- Single Supermarine Spitfire
I (K9834) diverted from RAF contract in 1938 and modified (as Supermarine
Type 323) for attempt on World Air Speed Record for landplanes. First
flown December 14, 1938, and speed of 408 mph (656 km/h) achieved at 3,000
ft (914 m), but record objective abandoned in 1939. Fitted with Merlin
XII engine and three-bladed propeller, and single F.24 oblique camera
behind cockpit, used by PRU at Heston (later Benson) for one operational
sortie and then as station hack throughout war. Span reduced to 33 ft
8 in (10.25 m).
