By 1945, the excellent Rolls-Royce Griffon engines were in large scale use on regular Spitfire fighters, essentially splitting the aircraft line into two very distinct forms - the early Merlin-powered Spitfires and the later Griffon-powered Spitfires. As such, the Seafire followed suit and began to introduce these engines to the line in time. This produced the Seafire Mk XV of 1944 which also introduced a "stinger" type arrestor hook and the type was based on the existing Spitfire Mk XII land-based fighter. Six prototypes were constructed prior to production and all by Supermarine. These were powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon VI supercharged (single stage) inline piston engine of 1,850 to 1,876 horsepower. A bubble canopy with a cut-down fuselage spine for improved vision was introduced only late into production of this mark. 390 aircraft were built in all through the combined efforts of Westland and Cunliffe-Owen beginning in the latter part of 1944 though service entry was delayed until May of 1945.
Following was the Seafire Mk XVII fighter form which brought about use of a tear-drop canopy with a cut-down fuselage spine for much improved vision from the cockpit - though based on the preceding Seafire Mk XV. Internal fuel stores were also increased which promoted better operational ranges and wings were further strengthened. 232 of this mark were produced in all. The Seafire FR.Mk XVII was based on the Mk XVII fighter variant but delivered as a dedicated photo-reconnaissance mount with integrated camera equipment while retaining its fighter capabilities.
When the Spitfire Mk 21 series was developed these were used to produce the Seafire Mk 45 and the type were noted for its use of a five-bladed propeller assembly or a pair of three-bladed propeller units fitted in a contra-rotating fashion. 50 examples were produced and fielded in the post-war years beginning at the end of 1946.
The upcoming Seafire Mk 46 was given a tear-drop canopy with a cut-down fuselage spine, inspired by the land-based Spitfire Mk 22. The reconnaissance version of this mark became the Seafire FR.Mk 46. Twenty-four Mk 46 examples were produced.
The Seafire Mk 47 became the final production mark of the Seafire line and were brought about by the development of the land-based Spitfire Mk 24. These instituted newly designed and reinforced power-folding wings as well as contra-rotating propellers and a reinforced undercarriage. Of course, the fighter variant naturally produced the requisite Seafire FR.Mk 47 photo-reconnaissance version in time. The Mk 47 was considered the best of the Seafire line and broadened its tactical appeal by holding provision for 2 x 500lb bombs or 8 x 60lb high-explosive air-to-surface rockets for the strike role. Additionally, 2 x fuel tanks could be carried underwing with 1 x fuel tank under centerline fuselage. All these additions still made for a rather speedy mount regardless, able to manage 400+ mile per hour levels. Power was served through the Rolls-Royce Griffon 87 and (later) Griffon 88 series inline engines with fuel-injection. 89 Mk 47 aircraft were produced though most were of the photo-reconnaissance type. Service entry was in January of 1948 with production ceasing in early 1949.
These Seafires were used in an October 1949 strike on a Malayan terrorist camp by the men of Squadron No.800, marking the first use of the Mk 47 in actual combat. The Mk 47 was also the last Seafire variant to see operational combat service during 1950, this time over the skies of the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War (1950-1953). The first such mission was recorded on July 3, 1950 in the fighter-bomber role from the deck of the HMS Triumph against North Korean targets. At least 26 Seafires were deployed in action and attrition eventually left just twelve examples in all. No. 800 was disbanded in November of 1950 along with their Supermarine Seafires, bringing an end to the Seafire line as a whole.
Operators of the Seafire variant became the United Kingdom's Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve forces as well as the Royal Canadian Navy, the French Navy Aeronavale and the Irish Air Corps. Production ultimately yielded 2,334 examples and Seafires were in service until 1954 before being removed from their second-line reserve duties of the time.
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