Supermarine Spitfire Mk.24

[Julien]

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.24 PK724. This was built as a Mk.22 at Castle Bromwich in early 1946. This was one of 54 incomplete Spitfire Mk.22 airframes moved to South Marston where they were completed as Mk.24s. The Mk.24, was similar to the Mk.22 except that it had an increased fuel capacity, with two fuel tanks of 33 gal each installed in the rear fuselage. There were also zero-point fittings for rocket projectiles under the wings. All had the larger "Spiteful" tail units: modifications were also made to the trim tab gearings in order to perfect the F Mk 24's handling characteristics. This aircraft never saw much RAF service in fact when examined in 1968 had only flown for 7 hours, with 20 hours on the engine. This is one of only 3 Mk.24 Spitfires to survive. A full history can be found here on the RAF Museum's web site. Pics thanks to Ian (Depressed Lemur) at The RAF Museum Hendon.