By: Ant.H - 20th March 2002 at 19:10
RE: Russian Spitfires
According to Bill Gunston’s ‘Aircraft of World War Two’,143 Mk.V(5) Spitfires were sent to the Soviets,and 1,188 Mk.IX’s (9’s).Most were delivered in the standard RAF grey/green camouflage,although some are thought to have later been painted by the Russians in thier own types of camouflage.The Fighter Collection currently holds a wrecked Mk.IX in storage that was recovered from Russia.Thier website contains some pics that might be worth a look.
Another Spit IX was also recovered from Russia a few years back.She hit the ground in an inverted flat spin sometime in 1944,killing the pilot.There was originally a plan to restore this aircraft to airworthy condition,but I think the plan was abandoned due to the very substantial damage.
Hope this helps.
By: Arabella-Cox - 20th March 2002 at 12:17
RE: Russian Spitfires
This is just a tentative suggestion, as I’m not entirely sure there’s anything in there about the Soviet Spitfires, but have you tried “Spitfire The History”, by Edward Shacklady and someone else whose name escapes me?
It does detail the seril numbers and potted histories of every Spitfire built, but I can’t remember whether there’s a specific section on the Spit in Russian service. I’ve got a copy at home and will have a look at it tonight for you.
By: munnst - 20th March 2002 at 11:50
RE: Russian Spitfires
bump…
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March 13, 2002 at 5:33 pm