The ultimate Spitfire? Supermarine Spiteful and Seafang examined

Were these two Spitfire developments a step too far? In this month’s Aeroplane Database, Tony Buttler investigates

Development

Creating a Spitfire and Seafire follow-on — and the performance problems that resulted

The improvements and changes introduced to the Supermarine Spitfire enabled new variants to match the equivalent developments in the enemy’s fighters, to the point that by the end of the war their destructive power and performance — especially their speed — were far in excess of the marks that in 1940 had taken part in the Battle of Britain. It was hoped that the new tapered, laminar-flow wing on the Spiteful would push that performance even higher.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below