Even though contended(by aviation experts), Spitfire is considered as legendary(by masses). It came to limelight during the Battle of Britain, but was also deployed in other theaters of WW-II.
The Spitfire came to Sweden only after the end of the Second World War. Then the Air Force needed a more effective reconnaissance aircraft and purchased fifty unarmed Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XIX. The new reconnaissance aircraft received the designation S 31. The Spitfire had a top speed of over 700 kilometers per hour and was the air force’s fastest propeller aircraft. The PR in the aircraft’s name is short for Photo Reconnaissance. With three cameras – one for oblique photography and two for shooting straight down – it was an effective reconnaissance aircraft. S31 was decommissioned in 1955.
I recently got a chance to view an engine of the said Spitfire model.
Fun fact: While Rolls Royce is primarily known for its luxury cars, it also manufactured engines for the major British WW-II planes like Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Mustang, and Lancaster.
Rolls Royce GRIFFON MK66 Motor(used in S 31 Spitfire XIX)
Engine type: V12 in-line engine, 37 liter cyl-volume 2-stage compressor, 4-vent/cyl
Power: 2055 hp
Weight: 900 kg
Length: 2,057 mm
Propeller: 5-bladed with 3.2 m diameter
Number built: 8,108 between 1944-46
S 31 Performance with RR Griffon Mk 66:
Max speed: 740 kmh
Maximum altitude: 13,000 m
Life is about being kinetic 