SUPERMARINE SPITEFUL
- A single-seat
high-performance fighter proposed by Supermarine team led by Joseph Smith
in 1942 and subsequently developed to conform to Specification F.l/43
and OR.120. Used new laminar-flow wing (Supermarine Type 371) with four
20-mm cannon armament, matched to a Spitfire F Mk XIV fuselage with further
refinements, and a 2,375 hp Rolls-Royce Griffon 69 engine. Orders for
three prototypes and initial production batches placed in 1943. Prototype
(NN660) flown on June 30, 1944, with Griffon 61 in modified Spitfire F
Mk XIV fuselage. Second prototype (NN664) flown on January 8, 1945, with
modified fuselage and enlarged fin and rudder; third prototype (NN667)
flown after war had ended. First production Supermarine Spiteful F Mk XIV flown on
April 2, 1945, but programme cancelled with only 16 production aircraft
flown, and no service use. Max speed, 483 mph (777 km/h) at 21,000ft (6,400
m). Gross weight, 11,400 Ib (5,170 kg}. Span, 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m). Length,
32ft 11 in (10.3 m).
