MK IX Low back Spitfire

My understanding is that all of the conversions from low back XVI to high back XVI in recent times have been achieved by fitting new quarter frames above the datum longeron from 11 to 18a inclusive.

Mark

The best way to find out is to get one of the sets of drawings available on line from various sources and look up the differences if they are a decent set you will find the frames and fuselage drawings for both.

Well from what I understand the Mk XVI was Just a low back Mk IX with a Packard Merlin instead of Rolls Royce. I’m guessing a low back Mk IX would have the Rolls Royce engine with the same low back structure of a sixteen? Im guessing the different engine would mean other subtle differences too

Not entirely sure, but they are pretty rare nowadays! I know of only two in existence, and one of them was rebuilt as a two-seater.

I’m sure they’ll be in the book…. 😉

Good question Graham,I would be interested to know the answer to this too.I will await the replies.

I understand that the low back MK IX’s simply had the tops of the rear frames modified and that the remainder of the frame stayed as standard. Am I correct in this assumption? Were there any other mods to the tail?

I converted a Keill Craft flying balsa model high back Spitfire to a low back LF16e by doing just that about 50 years ago. I had to convert the rudder inrto a “pointy” one from a rounded one. (Note the high technical detail) and clipped the wings.