The Mk XIX was the last and most successful photographic reconnaissance
variant of the Spitfire. It combined features of the Mk XI with the
Griffon engine of the Mk XIV. After the first 25 (type 389s) were
produced, later aircraft were also fitted with the pressurised cabin of
the MkX and the fuel capacity was increased to 256 gallons,
three-and-a-half times that of the original Spitfire. The first MkXIXs
entered service in May 1944, and, by the end of the war, the type had
virtually replaced the earlier Mk XI. A total of 225 were built with
production ceasing in early 1946. Features include optional dropped
flaps, poseable rudder, open or closed canopy option ,detailed camera
parts, fine surface detail and optional undercarriage up or down.
The Mk XII was the first production version of the Spitfire to use the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. The Griffon was a development of the R
sprint engine used in the Supermarine Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes of the late 1920s and early 1930s. The low level performance of the Mk XII was very useful when dealing with low level hit and run raids mounted by the Fw 190, and later helped against the V-1, though the mark did not enter mass production. Only 100 were built, equipping two squadrons No.41 received its Mk XIIs in February 1943, and No.91 in April 1943.