5 Facts About The Propeller Plane That Killed Jets

The Spitfire F Mk 24 is a British single-engine, low-wing monoplane, single-seat fighter. Here are some interesting things that you need to know about this iconic fighter: 

1. It has a lot of similarities to the previous Mk 22

This is because some Mk 24s were converted from Mk 22 airframes.

An exception would be the two rear fuselage tanks that were installed, and the various rocket mountings that allow one to install up to eight RP-3 rockets instead of the six on the Mk 22.

2. There were only 70 Mk 24s completed

In fact, during the war, only the No. 80 Squadron would end up being fully equipped with the type. 

3. It featured higher engine power than previous models

The Mk 24 had a higher engine power because it utilized 150-octane fuel, something that was unavailable with the earlier Mk 22 versions. 

4. It was fitted with a more powerful Griffon engine

This provided the fighter 100 mph greater top speed than previous Spitfires, giving it twice the rate of climb.

5. It was to be the last production model of the popular Supermarine Spitfire

The Mk. 24 would become the Spitfire’s final variant, with most of them seeing service with the 80 Squadron. The last of the Mk-24s built would be delivered in February 1948, making it the final model of the Spitfire.