Spitfire Mk XVIs of No. 421 Squadron RCAF armed and fueled for a mission

hw97karbine

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View: https://rumble.com/v6reun4-spitfire-mk-xvis-of-no.-421-squadron-rcaf-armed-and-fueled-for-a-mission.html

Note the "slipper" tanks and the bulged cowling that was characteristic of the Packard Merlin engined Spitfires due to a slightly taller intercooler and rearranged accessories.
 
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And the starter socket is on the starboard side not port.
 
The hair of the mechanic working by the landing gear is parted on the wrong side.
 
One book that covered RCAF used of Mk XVI with Packard Merlins said they had some serious reliability problems with the engines. That certainly does not reflect the USAAF experience with the V-1650 and I wonder why that is. By tat time in the war they were operating of airstrips on the Continent and perhaps the air filtration in the Spit was not as good as the Mustang.
 
Good one!
 

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