20160710 (36)_MH434_Supermarine_Spitfire_LFIX
Possibly the finest Spitfire in existence (that's a pub discussion that could run and run) MH434 is also one of the longest-serving airshow Spitfires outside BBMF. Displayed to perfection for many years by Ray Hanna it shows off here the longer nose, four-bladed prop and twin large radiators under the wings that characterise the two-stage Merlin engine development to meet the increased threat of the FW190. The planned version was to be the Mk VIII, with refinements such as retractable tailwheel, but the "bodge job" of just sticking a Merlin 61 onto a Mk V airframe proved hugely successful and the Mk IX became the most numerous Spitfire variant.
20160710 (36)_MH434_Supermarine_Spitfire_LFIX
Possibly the finest Spitfire in existence (that's a pub discussion that could run and run) MH434 is also one of the longest-serving airshow Spitfires outside BBMF. Displayed to perfection for many years by Ray Hanna it shows off here the longer nose, four-bladed prop and twin large radiators under the wings that characterise the two-stage Merlin engine development to meet the increased threat of the FW190. The planned version was to be the Mk VIII, with refinements such as retractable tailwheel, but the "bodge job" of just sticking a Merlin 61 onto a Mk V airframe proved hugely successful and the Mk IX became the most numerous Spitfire variant.