Supermarine Seafire XVII

The famous Supermarine Spitfire first flew in 1936, two years later discussions began to develop a navalised version of what would soon become one of the most iconic aircraft ever made. The Sea Spitfire, shortened to Seafire Mk.1B, first entered service in 1941 however these were mainly used for pilot training due to the weak undercarriage. The first version to be built in numbers was the Seafire F Mk III which entered service in 1942 and included features specifically for Naval service including folding wings.  

The Seafire F Mk XVII saw limited service with the Fleet Air Arm when it was used to cover the evacuation of Palestine by 800Sqn. Navy Wings operate Seafire XVII which was built at Westlands in Yeovil during 1946 and was restored by Kennet Aviation in 2006. SX336 entered service at RNAS Bramcote in Warwickshire and was retired in 1955 after being placed in storage during 1953. 

Navy Wings will be providing their Seafire F Mk XVII for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme. This is the only airworthy example of this version of the Spitfire in the world. 

Photo Credit: Peter Van Loey