Author Topic: Spit9's with the VVS? (Read 1486 times)

SgtPappy · « **on:** January 06, 2008, 04:01:42 PM »

The Soviets put the Spitfire V into combat as their most common Spitfire variant until the end of the war... pretty much pushed them beyond their operational limits.

Also, I know that the VVS operated Spitfire LF IX's especially in clipped-wing configurations, but did these IX's ever go into combat?

I came across this image and was wondering if it's an accurate depiction of the Spitfire IX's role with the VVS.

MiloMorai · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2008, 04:08:48 PM »

Pappy do a search for Kuban and Spitfires.

SgtPappy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2008, 04:19:18 PM »

I actually did the 'Soviet Spitfire' search before i posted and i read that exact article.

It only talks about the Spitfire V .. while reading some of my own Spitfire books, I found out that the VVS did receive Spitfire IX's but i just don't know if they were ever flown into combat.

Larry · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2008, 04:40:59 PM »

This is the only one I found.

Spitfire LF.Mk.IX
Unit: 26th GvIAP, PVO
Serial: 78
Leningrad VO, USSR, 1945.

SgtPappy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2008, 07:45:00 PM »

Thanks Larry, I'll be looking up more pictures and info soon.

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2008, 09:01:58 PM »

clipped wing LF.IX? Would work as a spit16 skin, eh?

SgtPappy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2008, 09:38:55 PM »

That's exactly what I was thinking. It would be the only reason for me to fly the XVI at all... I'd feel kinda proud actually heheh.

I just have to take a read at your getting started thread, Krusty and I may go ahead and make a Soviet skin if someone doesn't beat me to it.

MiloMorai · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2008, 03:45:44 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SgtPappy
I actually did the 'Soviet Spitfire' search before i posted and i read that exact article.

It only talks about the Spitfire V .. while reading some of my own Spitfire books, I found out that the VVS did receive Spitfire IX's but i just don't know if they were ever flown into combat.

Must have been in a thread someplace where the Kuban Mk Vs were mentioned as well as the Mk IXs.

1169 Spitfire LF IX (180 XIc, 989 IXe), low-altitude version and two Spitfire HF IX (high-altitude). Some say 1183 LF IX.

Spit IX units - 11G, 26G, 27G, 102G, 16, 67, 177, 348, 439, 767, 787, 802

link to a book
http://books.google.com/books?id=CJHGyw6HGqEC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=soviet+spitfires&source=web&ots=2Aiyzheriy&sig=tIMs71-wgwvQQsaKO3k4x78tEEo#PPA85,M1
http://books.google.com/books?id=CJHGyw6HGqEC&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79&dq=soviet+spitfire+mk+ix&source=web&ots=2Aiyzhdqdw&sig=sYHPEwazJLW3Qwaq_iuYAXbU9gY#PPA79,M1

photo from "Red Stars in the Sky" Spitfire Mk.IX "UTI" two-seat trainer, modified by 1 Aircraft Depot at Leningrad in 1945

Guppy35 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2008, 04:01:30 AM »

Pappy, The Fighter Collection in England has a Spitfire LFIX that was recovered from a Russian crash site. It's a long term restoration but it is a combat loss Russian flown LFIX.

It would be better done on the AH Spit IX but it would at least be accurate.

History and bits about that particular bird RK858 here

http://www.fighter-collection.com/pages/aircraft/spit_ix_2/index.php

Kev367th · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2008, 04:29:07 AM »

That one in the profile -

I have a pic of it somewhere, but you can't tell if it was clipped or unclipped.

As it was an LF IX, I think on a XVI would be better, in fact I have it done on a XVI, just never got around to submitting it.

SgtPappy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2008, 05:26:58 PM »

Can't wait to see it, Kev.

Thanks for the info Guppy and Milo. That's a heck of a lot of work those guys just put upon themselves. Too bad the Russians aren't as interested in the Spits as the Brits... but then again, who is?

Very nice book search, Milo. Until now, I didn't know that google had a booksearch like that.. I've been using amazon to find books and they only really show you enough info to drool at rather than to learn anything new.

Turns out that the Spitfire IX was in delivery as of Feb. 1944 for the Russians, and it apparently did go into combat... Just had to make sure what kind of records they scored and if my original post's picture is accurate. But that's good; thanks to you guys I'm getting somewhere. Thanks!

BlauK · « **Reply #11 on:** January 08, 2008, 12:48:21 AM »

IIRC, the Spit IX:s were used for defending Moscow instead of assigning them to fronts.... or something like that.

Tilt · « **Reply #12 on:** January 08, 2008, 06:35:23 AM »

As Blauk said the Spits were mainly asigned to PVO regiments. By late 44 these were typically well behind the lines intercepting long range stuff which included recon aircraft.

Karpovs regiment was however based in Leningrad so it saw considerable action right thru to the end of hostilities with Finland.

Strangely my reference (Stalins Eagles) does not credit him with 2 HSU's but instead decorates him with the Order of Lenin.

27GIAP flew P40's (KittyHawks) and Yak1's and 7's up until mid 44

kozhedub · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2008, 11:19:19 AM »

I would like a Spitfire VVS skin.

SgtPappy · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2008, 02:35:02 PM »

Oh alright, thanks Tilt.
I'm thinking of going down to the hobby shop and picking myself up a copy of that Lend-Lease Soviet Aces of WWII book soon.