Quote:
Originally Posted by mhuxt
Better comparison would be against the prototype with 61s, as MP469 had a gun fairing slung underneath the fuselage.
AFDU report said the Mosquito IV was 4-5 mph faster than the Spitfire V, though the Spit was using emergency boost, the Mossie not.
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I see your point, and of course there were minor discrepancies from plane to plane when modified in various ways.
Spitifire N3297 was apparently the first to get retrofitted with a Merlin 61, and my source says this aircraft reached 414mph at 27,200ft in January 1942. Guns and ammo were removed and replaced with ballast. I cannot tell from the photos if this prototype had the same kind of windscreen and underwing air scoops like those on Spitfire AB505. Some versions of the Spitfire IX had clipped wingtips and this would also account for a slight change in maximum speed.