Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc G-LFVC

About the Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire first took to the air in the mid‑1930s and quickly became an icon of British aviation. Designed by Reginald Mitchell for the Royal Air Force, its distinctive elliptical wing and innovative stressed‑skin construction enabled exceptional speed and maneuverability. From early prototypes to successive “marks” that introduced improved armament, stronger structures, and more powerful Rolls‑Royce Merlin engines (and later Griffon engines), the Spitfire was continuously refined to meet the changing demands of aerial combat during World War II. Its elegant design and high performance made it a symbol of determination and hope during Britain’s darkest hours.

Throughout its operational history, the Spitfire evolved from a sleek, single‑seat interceptor into a multifaceted workhorse. Early versions faced significant production challenges with rapid modifications—ranging from upgrades in cockpit design to re‑armament changes driven by combat experience. The aircraft played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain and later proved adaptable as a fighter‑bomber, a high‑altitude interceptor, and even as a carrier‑based fighter (in the Seafire variant). By the end of the war, more than 20,000 Spitfires of various marks had been built, a testament to its versatility and the industry-wide efforts that supported its production.

Even as World War II drew to a close, the Spitfire’s development continued with further modifications to improve high‑altitude performance, extend range with increased fuel capacity, and enhance pilot visibility. The transition from Merlin to Griffon engines ushered in a new era of performance that allowed the aircraft to remain competitive against evolving enemy designs. Long celebrated after the war as a masterpiece of aeronautical engineering, the Spitfire is now an enduring symbol of British ingenuity, frequently appearing in museums and airshows, where it continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Specifications

Mk Vc Variant

The Spitfire Mk Vc emerged as an important evolution of the earlier Mk V series, incorporating several significant refinements that set it apart from its predecessors. In response to operational experiences and evolving tactical requirements during the war, engineers focused on improving the aircraft’s internal structure and overall durability. The Mk Vc featured a re‐stressed and strengthened fuselage as well as a new windscreen design that provided better visibility and enhanced pilot protection. One of its most notable innovations was the introduction of the universal or Type C wing, which allowed for flexible armament configurations. This wing design included larger, bulged fairings in its upper surfaces to accommodate ammunition feed motors, although these fairings were later streamlined when fewer cannon were carried.

In addition to its improved airframe, the Mk Vc incorporated upgrades to its cooling and protection systems. A deeper radiator fairing was fitted under the starboard wing, while a larger, more efficiently shaped oil cooler was installed on the port side. These changes, combined with additional armor plating to safeguard the pilot and protect ammunition boxes in the wing, greatly enhanced the aircraft’s resilience in combat. A particularly significant modification was its adaptation for ground-attack roles: one of the first Mk Vcs, operating out of Malta, was modified to carry bombs under each wing. This capability underscored the variant’s dual role in air superiority and fighter-bomber operations, enabling it to carry out precision strikes without sacrificing its high-performance credentials.

Operationally, the Mk Vc proved itself as a versatile and effective combat aircraft in several theaters of World War II. Its universal wing design enabled pilots to tailor the armament configuration to mission requirements, whether engaging enemy fighters or delivering bombs accurately during ground-attack missions. Although the Mk Vc was eventually succeeded in some roles by later marks such as the Mk IX, its combination of structural reinforcements, refined aerodynamics, and flexible armament options ensured that it played a crucial role in sustaining Allied air superiority. Today, the Spitfire Mk Vc is remembered as a pivotal step in the continuous evolution of one of history’s most famous fighter aircraft.

Did You Know?

• The destruction of Supermarine’s Itchen and Woolston factories by enemy bombing led to production being shifted to numerous “shadow factories”—with Castle Bromwich becoming the main hub for Spitfire manufacturing.
• Early Spitfires were famous for their elegant, elliptical wing design, chosen not only for its low induced drag but also for its aesthetic appeal—a design feature that helped to capture the public’s imagination.
• The Spitfire Mk IX was actually developed as a “stopgap” measure in response to the Focke‐Wulf Fw 190 threat and was produced from converted Mk Vc airframes before later high‐altitude models appeared.
• Some Spitfire variants were adapted for photo reconnaissance. For example, the PR Mk XIX became the definitive reconnaissance version with increased fuel capacity and specialized camera installations.
• Engine changes sometimes required more than simply swapping powerplants—the installation of the Griffon engine, for instance, necessitated modifications to the cowling, tail, and undercarriage to cope with its different thrust line and increased weight.

Spitfire Mk Vc G-LFVC

Spitfire JG891/G‑LFVC, has enjoyed a fascinating and varied history. Originally built as a Mk Vc (T) at Castle Bromwich, the aircraft was delivered to 39 Maintenance Unit at RAF Colerne on 2 January 1943. Soon after, it was transferred to 215MU at Dumfries where it was carefully prepared for overseas shipment.

In early February 1943, JG891 began its journey across the world when it sailed for Australia aboard the SS Tijuga, arriving on 13 April. It was then issued to the Royal Australian Air Force’s 79 Squadron on 6 May 1943. Over the following months, the Spitfire operated from a number of bases until it was eventually stationed at Kiriwina in the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea—a key location during the Pacific theatre of World War II.

The aircraft’s active service came to an abrupt end on 12 January 1944. During a downwind approach, a flapless landing led to the Spitfire flipping over. Fortunately, the pilot sustained only minor injuries, and the aircraft was written off. After the incident, the surviving parts of JG891 were stripped of valuable spares, and the hulking remains were pushed into the undergrowth alongside two other Spitfires.

The story did not end there, however. In 1973, the forgotten wreckage of JG891 was rediscovered, sparking interest among aviation enthusiasts. The aircraft passed through several hands over the ensuing years before being acquired by Karel Bos and moved to his Historic Flying company in March 1999. Restoration work officially began at the Duxford facility in 2003, but the project was later sold in May 2006 to American collector Thomas L Blair. Blair then contracted Historic Flying Limited to complete the restoration.

After months of dedicated effort, JG891 took to the skies for the first time on 2 November 2006, piloted by the Chief Pilot of the Aircraft Restoration Company, John Romain. Following its successful return to flight, the Spitfire was displayed on numerous occasions until January 2008, when it was shipped to its new home at the owner’s base in Kissimmee, Florida.

Further chapters in its storied life came in December 2008 when Comanche Fighters acquired the aircraft. They refinished the Spitfire to represent the Vb variant famously operated by Wing Commander Robert Stanford-Tuck. More recently, the aircraft received yet another authentic makeover, being repainted in the authentic colours of a Spitfire MkVc(T) as flown by 249 Squadron from Ta Qali airfield in Malta during 1943.

Further chapters in its storied life came in December 2008 when Comanche Fighters acquired the aircraft. They refinished the Spitfire to represent the Vb variant famously operated by Wing Commander Robert Stanford-Tuck. More recently, the aircraft received yet another authentic makeover, being repainted in the authentic colours of a Spitfire MkVc(T) as flown by 249 Squadron from Ta Qali airfield in Malta during 1943.