AI Artwork

It is intended only to portray a representation of what the subject may have looked like

and should not be considered historically or technically accurate.

Early in 1940 an urgent feasibility study was made on the possibility of fitting floats to Spitfires and Hurricanes to operate from fjords in the Norwegian campaign. Work was started on converting Spitfire I R6722 by fitting floats designed for the Blackburn Roc.

With the fall of Norway, the project was abandoned and R6722 did not fly with floats, and was returned to squadron service in standard configuration.

In 1942, with the entry of Japan in to the war, the idea was revised and Spitfire V W3760 was fitted with purpose designed floats and initially a standard fin with the addition of increased fin area below the fuselage, first flight was 12 October 1942. Two more Spitfire V's, EP751 and EP754 were converted with increased fin area above and below the fuselage.

A single Spitfire IX, MJ982, with similar fin area modifications was also fitted with floats, in early 1944.

Spitfire I R6722 on floats

Spitfire V W3760 prototype floatplane

Spitfire IX MJ982 floatplane