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Pressurized Spitfire question

I have seen a claim that the PR Mk XIX was the only Spitfire to be pressurized. I doubt that this is true, but perhaps it is correct to say that it was the only mark of Spitfure during WW2 to be pressurized.
Discuss.

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By: EN830 - 27th September 2004 at 13:27

I believe that the HF MkVI were operated with pressurised cockpits to counter the high-flying JU86 reconnaissance aircraft. I recall that it was fitted with an uprated supercharger (1415 hp) driving a four bladed prop, the cockpit canopy was actually bolted into place and that the wing span was extended.

http://www.airwar.ru/image/i/fww2/spit6-i.jpg

The first 21 MkXIX were unpressurised, the remainder were.

http://www.militaryairshows.net/spits/s00-853.jpg

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By: EN830 - 27th September 2004 at 13:11

I believe that the HF MkVI were operated with pressurised cockpits to counter the high-flying JU86 reconnaissance aircraft. I recall that it was fitted with an uprated supercharger (1415 hp) driving a four bladed prop, the cockpit canopy was actually bolted into place and that the wing span was extended.

http://www.airwar.ru/image/i/fww2/spit6-i.jpg

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By: DazDaMan - 27th September 2004 at 08:43

The PRXIII was for low-level stuff, and accordingly it was still armed with machine-guns and fitted with an armoured windscreen.

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By: Papa Lima - 24th September 2004 at 17:57

Thank you for the swift replies; I am translating a document from the Swedish, and it seems that I must correct the original author, as it would apparently not even be true to qualify this statement by adding “during WW2”.

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By: Puukka - 24th September 2004 at 17:47

Hello Papa

My references say Mk VI, Mk VII, PR X and PR XIX were pressurized.

Cheers,
Herbert

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By: HP57 - 24th September 2004 at 17:39

Papa,

There were also the Mk VI, some Mk VII’s (not sure), the PR XI and the Mk (PR?) XIII?

Some I’m sure of, the ones with the questionmark not totally.

Please enlighten me

Cees

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