Spiteful (1944-47)

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Supermarine was engaged in developing a new, laminar flow, wing for the Spitfire, where the thickest part of the wing would be much further from the leading edge than in the original wing. The design of a new fighter to incorporate the wing was undertaken against specification F.1/43. The new aircraft was sufficently different from the Spitfire as to merit a new name; Victor, proposed for the Griffon-engined Spitfires, was rejected in favour of Spiteful.

The first prototype was a converted Spitfire Mark XIV, NN660, which in common with the second prototype retained the Spitfire tail unit. The first true prototype, NN664, first flew in June 1944. Aircraft built to production standard featured the new wing, an inward-retracting undercarriage and a fin and rudder and tailplane of increased area to improve directional stability. The early aircraft displayed a number of problems, none of which would have been insurmountable, although the type was probably taking piston-engine design to the limits. 373 were ordered from a revised Spitfire F21 contract, but production was cancelled with the war's end and with the introduction into service of the new jet types, the Meteor and Vampire.

Converted Spitfire XIV NN660 first prototype Spiteful

Mark XIV The Type 371 was fitted with the Griffon 69 driving a five-blade airscrew. Top speed was 475 mph and nineteen were built, one or two reportedly spending some time with the CFE.

RB515 was the first production Spiteful Mk XIV

Mark XV The Mark XV employed the Griffon 89 or 90 potentially driving two contra-rotating three-blade propellors. Only one (RB520) was converted and used as a Seafang development aircraft. Top speed was 483 mph.

The sole Mk XV, RB520 used for Seafang development

Mark XVI The Mark XVI, of which only two were completed, (both Mk XIV conversionsRB516 and 518) was similar to the Mark XIV but was fitted with the Griffon 101 conferring a top speed of 494 mph.

RB518, one of two conversions to Mk XVI standard

Specifications and production

Note * Mk XIV conversions