Spitfire Mk XI PR

The Mark XI was a development of the original British Spitfire interceptor that first flew in 1936. the Mark XI was essentially a Mark IX Spitfire modified for photographic reconnaissance with cameras and a more powerful engine. All guns and armor were removed and the fuel capacity was greatly increased. Speed was the unarmed Mark XI's defense. A total of 471 Mark XIs were built between April 1943 and January 1946. Various photoreconnaissance versions of the Spitfire were built and used by Great Britain and her allies with great success in all theaters during World War II. A total of 20,351 Spitfires of all types were eventually built, plus 2,408 seafires modified to operate from aircraft carriers.

The USAAF's 14th Photographic Squadron of the 8th Air Force used Spitfire Mark XIs from November 1943 to April 1945, flying hazardous long range reconnaissance missions. This aircraft is painted and marked as a Mark XI that served with the 14th at Mount Farm airfield in England. It was placed on display in May 1993.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 36 ft. 10 in.
Length: 30 ft.
Height: 12 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 8,040 lbs. loaded
Armament: None
Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin 61, 63 or 70 of 1,655 hp.
Serial number: PA908
C/N: GS.417723

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 422 mph.
Cruising speed: 369 mph.
Range: 1,360 miles
Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft.