N503PR - SUPERMARINE SEAFIRE XV

SUPERMARINE

SEAFIRE XV

N503PR

Used

Entering service in May, 1945, it was the first of its type to be equipped with the more powerful “Griffon” engine, replacing the Rolls Royce “Merlin” installed in previous Mks. The Mk XV was essentially a Seafire Mk III with the broad-chord rudder of the Spitfire XII, and increased wing fuel capacity. In addition, the mid-fuselage Vee type arrester hook was replaced by a sting-type hook mounted in the tail. The Mk XV did, of course, employ the manually operated double-folding wing introduced in the Mk III. Although the end of the war prevented the Mk XV from taking an active part in the action, various improved versions of the Seafire served in Korea, completing some 360 missions. A total of 35 Seafire XV’s were used in Canada by the 803rd and 883 Squadrons of the Royal Canadian Navy between 1946 and 1954. Seafire XV, PR503, was built by Cunliffe-Owens in England in 1945. It was taken on strength by the Royal Canadian Navy on June 1, 1946, and served with the 803rd Squadron, RCN aboard the HMCS Warrior, and later at Shearwater, Dartmouth, N.S. It was struck off strength on April 5, 1950, and placed in storage. Powerplant: Rolls Royce Griffon VI Wingspan: 36 ft. 10 in. Length: 32 ft 3 in. Max Speed: 392 mph at 36,000 ft Ceiling: 37,000 ft. Armament: Two 20 mm cannons Four .393 machine guns Production: 390 The fourth and most successful version of the Supermarine Seafire to emerge during WWII was the Mk XV.