SPITFIRE MK IXc HAF
This aircraft was built by Bill SPITFRND Wilson using version 2.82.100 of the AvHistory 1% Assembly Line process. It is based on the stock CFS3 Spitfire IXc visual created by Microsoft and painted by ZUYAX.
ZUYAX painted this plane in the livery of Flying Officer Emanuel Galitzine of the High Alitude Flight, Northholt, September 1942. On September 12, 1944, FO Galitzine intercepted and damaged a Ju 86R at altiude of around 44,000. The action is said to have been the highest air to air combat of World War II. The "BF" designation in the serial number for this special paint scheme was applied in error by the ground crew and subsequently corrected to the proper BS273 number some time later in its period of service.
In mid August of 1942, the Hohenkampfkommando (High Altitude Bomber Command) begin a new phase of attacks on England. The special command was equiped with Ju 86Rs with a 105 ft pointed wing span that enabled them to reach altitudes of over 45,000 feet. It was thought by the German command that these modified bombers wuld be able to make day light bombing runs on England with impunity. The high flying Mark VIIs were not yet available to counter this threat so the RAF modified a few Mark IXcs for high altitude operations. These aircraft were stripped of armor and all non essential eqiupment, including their .303 machine guns. The modification increased the aircrafts maximum climb rate by 20% and extended its service ceiling to around 44,000 feet. After the encounter with FO Galitzine, the Luftwaffe realized its modified bombers were no longer immune to attack and promptly cancelled the operation.
The modified High Altitude Flight Mark IXs formed the basis for the development of the subsequent high altitude optimized Spitfires, like the Mark VII, the VIII HF and the IX HF
This aircraft was built by Bill SPITFRND Wilson using version 2.82.100 of the AvHistory 1% Assembly Line process. It is based on the stock CFS3 Spitfire IXc visual created by Microsoft and painted by ZUYAX.
ZUYAX painted this plane in the livery of Flying Officer Emanuel Galitzine of the High Alitude Flight, Northholt, September 1942. On September 12, 1944, FO Galitzine intercepted and damaged a Ju 86R at altiude of around 44,000. The action is said to have been the highest air to air combat of World War II. The "BF" designation in the serial number for this special paint scheme was applied in error by the ground crew and subsequently corrected to the proper BS273 number some time later in its period of service.
In mid August of 1942, the Hohenkampfkommando (High Altitude Bomber Command) begin a new phase of attacks on England. The special command was equiped with Ju 86Rs with a 105 ft pointed wing span that enabled them to reach altitudes of over 45,000 feet. It was thought by the German command that these modified bombers wuld be able to make day light bombing runs on England with impunity. The high flying Mark VIIs were not yet available to counter this threat so the RAF modified a few Mark IXcs for high altitude operations. These aircraft were stripped of armor and all non essential eqiupment, including their .303 machine guns. The modification increased the aircrafts maximum climb rate by 20% and extended its service ceiling to around 44,000 feet. After the encounter with FO Galitzine, the Luftwaffe realized its modified bombers were no longer immune to attack and promptly cancelled the operation.
The modified High Altitude Flight Mark IXs formed the basis for the development of the subsequent high altitude optimized Spitfires, like the Mark VII, the VIII HF and the IX HF
