Supermarine Spitfire LF.XVI G-OXVI

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

LF.XVI Variant

The Mk. XVI LF Spitfire was a low‐altitude fighter variant of the famous Supermarine Spitfire family that emerged late in World War II. Distinguished by its powerful, license‐built Rolls–Royce Merlin 266 engine (the Merlin 66 produced in the United States by the Packard Motor Company, with the “2” prefix added to avoid confusion with its British counterpart), the Mk. XVI was developed essentially on the proven airframe of the earlier Mk. IX but optimized for operations at lower altitudes.

In order to maximize performance where rapid acceleration and tight manoeuvring were required, virtually all Mk. XVI aircraft were fitted with clipped wings. This modification not only reduced drag at low altitude but also enhanced roll rate and overall agility. In addition, many examples featured a cut‐down rear fuselage paired with a bubble canopy that improved pilot visibility during close combat engagements. Rear fuselage fuel tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 75 imperial gallons were standard, reflecting the variant’s design emphasis on the short-range, high-intensity fighter role rather than long-range patrol.

Armament on the Mk. XVI was typically a mix of heavy firepower and precision: two 20 mm Hispano Mark II cannons (each loaded with around 120 rounds per gun) formed the core of its offensive capability, supplemented by two .50‑calibre Browning machine guns (each with 250 rounds per gun). The variant could also be configured to carry small bombs—a 500‑lb bomb on a centerline rack and optionally additional 250‑lb bombs under the wings—for use in fighter-bomber roles.

Produced at the Castle Bromwich factory, a total of approximately 1,054 Mk. XVI units were manufactured. Their performance at low altitude was exceptional; the combination of the Packard Merlin engine and aerodynamic refinements allowed this variant to exhibit superb acceleration and turning ability during combat—qualities that were crucial when countering fast, low-flying enemy 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 LF.XVI G-OXVI

Spitfire LF.XVI TD248 is a notable aircraft with a colorful history spanning military service, target calibration work, and a revival to flight heritage. Built in 1944 by Vickers Armstrong at Castle Bromwich, TD248 was released into service on 11 May 1945, arriving just in time to serve in the closing days of World War II.

Initially, the aircraft was assigned to 695 Squadron based at Bircham Newton in Norfolk. However, in 1947, an incident caused significant damage and led to her withdrawal from service. Following repairs, she returned to active duty in 1948, albeit with a different role. TD248 was then transferred to No.2 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit at Little Snoring, Norfolk, where she took part in calibration flights and served as a target tug—a critical role in helping improve the accuracy of anti-aircraft defenses.

Her active service lasted until 1953. The following year, in 1955, TD248 was issued to the 610 Squadron for static display at Hooton Park in Cheshire, marking the end of her regular operational career. However, the aircraft’s story was far from over.

By 1988, Historic Flying Ltd acquired TD248 with plans to restore her former glory. After an extensive restoration process, she made a triumphant return to the skies in 1992. Today, TD248 proudly sports the colour scheme of No. 74 Squadron of the 2nd Tactical Air Force from 1945. Operated by Spitfires Ltd and maintained by the Aircraft Restoration Company at IWM Duxford, TD248 continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts around the world with her storied past and well-preserved legacy.