After the Mk III series the next Seafire variant to appear was the Seafire F Mk XV, which was powered by a Griffon VI. Designed in response to Specification N.4/43 this Seafire version was a mixture of a strengthened Spitfire Mk XII airframe with folding wings.The fuel tanks, retractable tailwheel and broad-chord "pointed" rudder came from the Spitfire VIII. The first squadron to receive the Seafire Mk.XV in the Pacific was No.801 Squadron (HMS Implacable), which received the new aircraft in September 1945 in Australia. On the first 50 aircraft manufactured by Cunliffe-Owen a heavier, strengthened A-frame arrestor hook was fitted to cope with the greater weight. On subsequent Mk XVs a new form of "sting" type arrestor hook was used, attached to the reinforced rudder post at the rear of the fuselage and housed in a fairing below the base of the shortened rudder. The Mk.17 was powered by a 1850hp Rolls Royce Griffon VI engine giving it a maximum speed of 383 mph at 13,500 ft. It was armed with two Hispano 20mm cannons, four 0.303 in Browning MGs and up to eight rockets or 500 lb of bombs mounted beneath the fuselage and wings. This late production Seafire variant had a distinctive look, and impressive performance. To late for wartime service, it served till 1954 with the Naval Reserve Units.
Submitted by peperez
Submitted by peperez
