Buy DCS World DCS: Spitfire LF Mk IX PC key

DCS World DCS: Spitfire LF Mk IX adds a simulation of the British Spitfire LF Mk IX, a fighter aircraft developed during World War II. The Mk IX was created as a stopgap in response to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190A and became the most numerous Mk IX variant, with 4,010 produced.

The LF Mk IX

The LF Mk IX is powered by a Merlin 66, which performs best at slightly lower altitudes than the Merlin 61. Most Mk IXs used the standard “c” wing, often carrying two 20 mm cannons and four .303-inch machine guns.

Compared with the Mk V, the Mk IX had a top speed of 409 mph at 28,000 feet, 40 mph faster, and a service ceiling of 43,000 feet rather than 36,200 feet. It could climb at 4,000 feet per minute. In July 1942, an early Mk IX was flown against a captured Fw 190A, and the two aircraft were found to have very similar capabilities.

Wartime service

The Mk IX began replacing the Mk V in June 1942, allowing the RAF to resume offensive raids over occupied Europe, including “circus,” “ramrod” and “rodeo” operations. Its first combat success came on 30 July 1942, when a Mk IX shot down an Fw 190.

On 12 September 1942, a Mk IX intercepted a Ju 86R at 43,000 feet over Southampton in the highest-altitude combat of the Second World War. On 5 October 1944, Mk IXs of 401 Squadron became the first Allied aircraft to shoot down an Me 262 jet. The Mk IX remained in service until the end of the war, even after the Griffon-powered Mk XIV appeared.