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Hard to choose...
Mine would have a Merlin. So I'll go for the glorious Mk9.
John
Very true. Hence my vote goes to the Mk IX. It restored parity with the FW 190 and was never truely beaten by any mass produced Me 109 until very late in the war when newer fighters took over most of the workload. It also was economically more sensible than the Mk VIII. The second place would go to the Mk I, which also was relative to its opposition, very competetive.No such thing as 'The best Spitfire' - purely (if rather simplified) as it was a design which evolved with a need - there may, however, be a 'favourite' Spitfire, in ones personal choice.
And, of course, the 'best' aircraft to fit the need/role/mission at a particular time. This includes economics, operational effectiveness, and availability for a particular theatre/time period.
Arguably the best 'All Round' Mark, as a fighter, was the MkVIII, in performance, handling etc, etc .
Except you voted for the XI damn those pesky Romans and there numerals
No such thing as 'The best Spitfire' - purely (if rather simplified) as it was a design which evolved with a need - there may, however, be a 'favourite' Spitfire, in ones personal choice.
And, of course, the 'best' aircraft to fit the need/role/mission at a particular time. This includes economics, operational effectiveness, and availability for a particular theatre/time period.
Arguably the best 'All Round' Mark, as a fighter, was the MkVIII, in performance, handling etc, etc .
BTW, from the MkXVIII onwards, the Roman numeral nomenclature was replaced by Arabic numerals. Thus, for example, the PR 19 was recorded as such, and not PRXIX.
Groan...I should have paid more attention in latin
Just to be awkward I'd want a Mk III, just because I think it was such a shame it was canned and replaced with the stopgap V. Which I regard as being a retrograde step, even if they felt they had to rush it in. A mk IV would also have been great. I think most of the best Spitfires were all cancelled!