Spit 8 vs Spit 9

[Onyx13]

Except for the wing tanks in the 8 how do they differ.

[Karnak]

The biggest difference is that the Spitfire Mk VIII in AH has a more powerful Merlin 66 engine compared to the AH Spitfire Mk IX's Merlin 61, though the Merlin 61 is superior at altitudes above 21,000ft.  The Spitfire Mk VIII also has a retractable tail wheel, enlarged vertical stabilizer and shortened ailerons.

The Spitfire Mk VIII was the 'ultimate' Merlin powered Spitfire with all of the refinements the Merlin powered examples ever got.  The appearance of the Fw190 with the Spitfire Mk VIII not yet ready for production lead to the emergency mating of a two stage two speed Merlin with the airframe of a Mk V to create the stopgap Mk IX.  The stopgap's production far exceeded the intended two stage two speed Merlin power Mk VIII's.

The Spitfire Mk XVI is functionally identical to a late production Mk IX powered by a Merlin 66.

[SmokinLoon]

Basically, for the average Joe the Spit 8 accelerates slightly quicker, turns slightly better, climbs slightly better, has another 10-12 mins of time of flight, and has far more "oomph" in WEP than the Spit 9.  However, do not count the Spit 9 out.  The Spit 9's biggest advantage over the Spit 8 is it's stability.  The Spit 9 is more forgiving and a player can "hold the edge" easier because the Spit 8 will dip that left wing quicker.  Also, if the fight turns in to a marathon and WEP is not a factor the Spit 9 is slightly faster than the Spit 8 with mil power.

The Spit 8 is more versatile, too.  It can carry a 500lb bomb and the Spit 9 cant.  The range of the Spit 8 allows it to be a better escort fighter as well.  I like them both, and because I've sworn off the easy mode Spit 16 it is usually one of those 2 Spits I take to the virtual skies with. 

[Karnak]

The Spitfire Mk VIII is my favorite Spitfire in AH. I like the looks of the Mk XIV better, but just can't be bothered to play the hunted long enough to really get to grips with its difficult handling.

[BaldEagl]

The Spit IX is much smoother handling than the VIII.  It's more stable and (untested) has better roll performance.  I've never liked the VIII because, like the I and XIV it rolls like crap.  The IX has a dead spot from about 16K to about 20K where you lose a lot of boost as does the XIV although the alt range is 18-23K for the XIV.  Above and below that it's fine so you want to plan to stay out of that alt range.  The VIII and the XVI don't have that problem.  They are more even throughout the climb.  Above 20K the IX will go toe to toe with a Ta152 where the XIII and XVI will require much more thought to prevail.

The XIII and XVI have virtually identical performance but the XVI rolls better and has a better gun package.

I've also largely sworn off the XVI and moved almost exclusively to the IX. The V and the IX bore the brunt of the action for the Brits and are, IMO the eponymous Spits.  I just wish the clip was a little larger on the V and I'd use it a lot more.

[Karnak]

TI've also largely sworn off the XVI and moved almost exclusively to the IX. The V and the IX bore the brunt of the action for the Brits and are, IMO the eponymous Spits.  I just wish the clip was a little larger on the V and I'd use it a lot more.

The thing is, the IX that bore the brunt performed like the Mk XVI (which is actually an LF.Mk IXe as modeled in AH, for what its worth), not the Merlin 61 powered Spitfire F.Mk IX that we have in AH.  That version was introduced in July of 1942 and only a bit over 300 of them were built before the F.Mk IX switched to the Merlin 63 engine and then, the majority, were built as LF.Mk IXs with the Merlin 66 engine.  In AH the Mk VIII and Mk XVI both have the Merlin 66.

[SgtPappy]

Something I noticed though, is that AHII doesn't model the same supercharger gearing inherent in the Merlin 266 that powers the XVI. IIRC, the Merlin 66 and 266 are supposed to start the 2nd stage chargers at different altitudes but the difference is so minute that it really wouldn't matter for gameplay.

Also, another difference in the VIII  is that unlike the IX, the VIII has a larger lower fuel tank meaning it carries a total of 96 Imp. Gal in both main tanks while the IX has 85. Probably the main reason why it's my favourite Spitfire as well is this increased range.

[Karnak]

Something I noticed though, is that AHII doesn't model the same supercharger gearing inherent in the Merlin 266 that powers the XVI. IIRC, the Merlin 66 and 266 are supposed to start the 2nd stage chargers at different altitudes but the difference is so minute that it really wouldn't matter for gameplay.

That is how I can tell the Spitfire Mk XVI in AH is really a Spitfire LF.Mk IXe.

[Gixer]

The Spitfire Mk VIII is my favorite Spitfire in AH. I like the looks of the Mk XIV better, but just can't be bothered to play the hunted long enough to really get to grips with its difficult handling.

A Spit XIV has difficult handling??   

Funniest comment I've seen in a while regarding any version dweebfire.


<S>...-Gixer

[Oldman731]

A Spit XIV has difficult handling??   

Funniest comment I've seen in a while regarding any version dweebfire.

....so....you've never flown one against a K4....?

- oldman

[SmokinLoon]

A Spit XIV has difficult handling??   

Funniest comment I've seen in a while regarding any version dweebfire.


<S>...-Gixer

Comparatively... yes.  There is a reason it is the least used Spitfire and it has nothing to do with the perk cost.  Other than the slow rate of roll and lower top speed of the Spit I, the rest of the Spitfires are much easier to maneuver.  The torque alone on the Spit 14 is enough to give it a longer than average learning curve.   

[Lusche]

A Spit XIV has difficult handling??   

Why do you think they are so rarely used and with a horribly low K/D for a perk plane?
The 14 is a very quirky plane to fly and very much different from the other Spits, especially at near stall dogfights.

[Karnak]

See Rule #4

[GScholz]

The Mk XIV really shines in the hands of a 109 driver...

[Gixer]

See Rule #4