The Spitfire Mk IX was initially developed as a substitute measure in response to the appearance of the Focke-Wulf FW 190 A. The first response to this threat was the Mk VIII, but this aircraft involved a major redesign of the basic Spitfire, and would take too much time to produce the large number required. This is where the MK IX came in. It used the same Merlin 60/70 series engines at the Mk VIII, but in a slightly modified Mark Vc fuselage. This allowed for quicker development and production.
The Mk IX had a top speed of 409 mph at 28,000 feet, an increase of 40 miles per hour. Its service ceiling rose from 36,200 feet to 43,000 feet. It could climb at 4,000 feet per minute. In July 1942 an early Mk IX was flown against a captured Fw 190 A, and the two aircraft were discovered to have very similar capabilities.
Over 20,000 Spitfires were produced over a period of 10 years in more than 20 variants. The Supermarine Spitfire is perhaps the most iconic British fighter of World War II popular both for its beauty and its war-fighting utility. It served in many roles in all major theatres from a front line fighter to high altitude inceptor, including roles as a reconnaissance platform and fighter bomber, the Spitfire was the backbone of the Royal Air Force after the Battle of Britain. Powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin and later Griffon engines, the Spitfire maintained an edge throughout the war as a superior warplane.
Constructed using EPO foam and painted with matte finish scale colors, FlightLineRC gave the honor of creating the Supermarine Spitfire in the popular Mk.IX variant with a 1200mm wingspan. This model uses carbon tubes and plastic parts to reinforce the removable wings and control surfaces for heavy-duty handling. For convenient transport, the wing and elevator can be easily removed in seconds. It features a scale 4 bladed propeller and 580kv motor to achieve satisfying scale performance at 135kph/83mph top speeds. An optional two bladed power system (sold separately) can be purchased to reach 150kph/93mph level speeds on the same 4s 14.8v battery.
The Spitfire also features oversized retracts with metal trunions and metal reinforcing plates. Slightly oversized tires help to minimize nose overs. With a 4s 2500 mAh battery one can obtain 5-6 minutes of mixed throttle scale flight. The model can also accommodate a 4s 3000 mAh or even 4s 4000mAh battery for longer flight times, but the 2500 mAh and 3000 mAh are the best balance between speed, vertical power, flight duration, and wing loading.
FlightLineRC grabs the beautiful classic lines of the Spitfire Mk.IX with the true cowl shape, exhaust stacks, and precise canopy outline complete with a scale rear view mirror. Split flaps, radiators, two optional air filters and two optional decal sets are included in the box to provide pilots with multiple customizing options.
Included inside the box of the FlightLineRC Spitfire Mk.IX are two optional decal sets.
- Commander Pierre Clostermann’s LO-D
- Wing Commander James “Johnnie” Johnson’s JE-J
- Removable main wing/elevator for easy transport
- Large cabin space for easy placement of the battery and radio equipment
- Built-in flat spot near the CG for optimal placement of a gyro (optional, sold separately)
- Split flaps for easier takeoffs and landings
- High power motor for stock speeds up to 135kph/83mph
- Intuitive internal structural design for optimized cooling of all electronics in the fuselage from the nose to the tail
- Improved spinner and propeller mounting design to enable better balance
- Optional upgrade complete nylon hinge set included in each box for free
- Tall foam rubber 65mm diameter main wheels and additional forward rake angle for operating on short grass runways
- Electric retractable landing gear with metal trunions, metal reinforcement plate and 4mm steel wire struts
- Optional two bladed propeller Sport Power System (sold separately) to achieve speeds up to 150kph/93mph
- Motor, ESC, servos and retracts pre-assembled
- Minimum 6-channel radio (7 channels required if using an optional gyro)
- 6-channel receiver
- 4 Cell 14.8V 2500mAh to 4000mAh LiPo battery with T connector
- Lipo battery charger
|Experience level||Intermediate / Advanced|
|Wingspan||1200 mm / 47 in|
|Overall length||1085 mm / 42.7 in|
|Flying weight||1550 g / 3.41 lbs|
|Power system||3748-580Kv Brushless Outrunner Motor (Stock scale power system)|
|Speed control||60 A Brushless with T connector|
|Propeller||12x7 4 Blade Propeller / 12x8 2 Blade Propeller High Performance Version (optional)|
|Radio||6+ Channels 2.4GHz|
|Servos||9g standard with 550mm lead: left aileron, right aileron 9g reverse with 300mm lead: left flap 9g standard with 300mm lead: right flap 9g metal gear standard with 300mm lead: rudder, elevator|
|Battery||2500-4000mAh 4S 14.8V LiPo battery with T Connector|
|Assembly time (approx.)||2 hours|