Spitfire Mk 18 ~ 37 litre Griffon powered V12 Beast

[@bsmith8950]

This was my Father’s Spitfire he last flew it in 1953 during the Malaya conflict 1953 and was the last time a Spitfire was used in combat .

[@Warbirds]

awesome

[@Stupot2]

Love to hear more

[@thespokenword6456]

Excellent! I'm doing my PhD on Malaya

[@sizzler2462]

My father was in the rather less glamorous army in Malaya god bless your dad

[@clanrobertson7200]

B Smith E What a wonderful legacy for you to own (?) and fly the fighter plane that your father was a history maker in during WWII. Will you continue to use the plane to release information about his experiences both in and out of combat flying the beautiful historic fighter. I don’t have the knowledge or experience to know the difference in the evolution of the models, so I am confused as to the architectural cues for the answer. On the one hand, the air scoops under the wings makes me think that it is a late model, but the fact that there is only a single wing gun makes me feel that it is an early model? Speaking of the air scoops under the wings, I have assumed that they were for radiator coolers? And I saw for the first time, that the back side acts as an air brake. My father was second seat and rear twin 50 caliber guns on an SBD Torpedo/Bomber Douglas Dauntless Dive Bomber. I know from my father and the losses during combat. In fact, in the Battle of Midway, I believe that only 4 men of 44 SBD crew returned to the carriers. The gutsy part of this story is that by that time the pilots knew that they were target practice for the Zeros and the gunners on board the ships. They could have had a greater chance to return if a mixed flight of Torpedo, Bombers and Fighter planes had been assembled. But, instead, the SBDs were used as bait and even though they knew that they would be sacrificed, they did not balk and their sacrifice worked, because by the time that the fighter/bombers reached the Japanese carriers, they were forced to land their fighters and decide if they were going to refuel them with highest octane fuel , or take all of the fighters below decks one plane at a time on an elevator and bring up the Torpedo planes. That is what I believe that they decided to do and the American bombers arrived with the flight decks in confusion and covered with planes and fuel in barrels, and it literally only took one good hit from a bomber, and that is what happened on 3 carriers thank God. Would I love to fly an SBD? Hell yes. Would I be satisfied to ride second seat, absolutely! My father said that the only time that they reached or exceeded speeds of the fighters was during a power dive. The old professor Live Free or Die! Death to all Tyrants! If you can not get behind these historic declarations you are on the wrong side. No Shit.

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

You could be at any airshow in the world crammed with modern day jet fighters and this would still be the centre of attention and hog the show and why not it is beautiful

[@henryhorner3182]

Our British friends had a knack for beautiful aircraft. The Spitfire (prop driven) and the Vulkan, a delta-wing bomber that was beauty in flight.

[@stevebroughton4787]

@@henryhorner3182 it's the engine that also makes it. Merlin Spits - sweet and musical. Griffon Spits - aggressive and brutal.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

The Spitfire designer Reginald (RJ) Mitchel, sadly died before his prototype flew could never have expected his little “Shrew” to develop into this amazing machine. By the way, RJ thought “Spitfire” was a silly name.

[@Foxglove963]

Michael. Indeed, a marvel of design!! And it was certainly not called a "beast".

[@lornemiddleton3212]

Spitfire and the P-51 the most beautiful planes ever built

[@willyb8886]

I think this model was the most beautiful of all spitfires. Oh my, that big griffin sound, love it!!!!!!

[@Warbirds]

Thanks liking

[@atrium8609]

Griffon !!!

[@gazza2933]

I agree about the power William. Personally speaking it has to be the Spitfire llA (2A) of Battle of Britain fame for me. Art meets Science.

[@douglasmiller8607]

That piston rumble sounds so much more like an engine than the woosh of the jet .

[@Warbirds]

@@douglasmiller8607 or electric shit

[@andrewcliffe4753]

Was a child in Britain during WW2, this sound still sends tingles down my spine

[@keithlemon457]

Merlins purr - Griffons growl. But the sound of their power is just as hypnotic. Rolls Royce certainly knew how to build aero piston engines !

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

And PACKARD showed them how to improve them and build them faster !!!

[@chittygb2489]

A masterpiece of engineering and so beautiful, will never be surpassed in my opinion.

[@keithkuckler2551]

Not until they put the Rolls Royce engines in the P 51 Mustang. That was fighter that could fly all the way to Berlin and back. Not as pretty, but, it was superior to the Spitfire.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Beautiful bird!

[@teaeff8898]

@@keithkuckler2551 Did they ever put the griffon in the mustang? I don’t think they did, but the Merlin engine certainly made it the “ Cadillac of the skies”! Great nickname! I’m still a Spitfire man though... ;)

[@bsmith8950]

@@keithkuckler2551 actually the Mustang did have the RR engine however it was made under licence by Allison

[@keithkuckler2551]

@@bsmith8950 I may be mistaken, i am no expert, but, the first Mustangs had the Allison engine. Then later ones were equipped with the Merlin, but, the engines were made by Packard under license to RR. I think there actually three or four versions before the end of the war. The Spitfire evolved as well, each new version improving on the last. The important thing about the Mustang, was its long range, which enabled it to guard the bombers all the way to Berlin and back with plenty of fuel to engage the enemy.

[@McRocket]

The bubble canopy Spitfire's were just gorgeous.

[@s.marcus3669]

Agreed! I often wonder how many more Spitfires and Hurricanes would NOT have been shot down by the enemy had they been designed from the outset with bubble canopies! Conversely, how many more German aircraft would have fallen victim!

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

Slower.

[@brucemitch928]

Looks terrific, so far advanced from the early types, a beast right enough.

[@Warbirds]

And this Sound

[@brucemitch928]

@@Warbirds Aye, it makes the hairs on your neck stand up, awesome, think i was born in the wrong era....

[@brucemitch928]

@@Warbirds kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGm2po2AmcyMq80 Hope this link works...

[@Gruntol5]

Similar, but different sound from the Merlin. Love them both.

[@mack1541]

That is one angry sounding spitfire, love the sound of the griffon

[@Warbirds]

merlin plays a song

[@mack1541]

@@Warbirds i have the great fortune to live in Kent In the Uk and regulary see and hear the spitfires flying out of Biggin Hill.

[@Warbirds]

@@mack1541 awesome !

[@georgegrierson]

Beautiful war bird... and enjoyed the brief glimpse of the P-51 Mustang D... Would love to fly either of those beautiful machines!

[@williamirlam8758]

My Grandfather was with 41 sq when it was equipped with the Mk X11 (the first Griffon engined Spits), I understand that the engine rotation was opposite to that of the Merlin's , on take off the leading Spit swung across in front of him as a result of the pilot forgetting about this, my Grandfather managed to avoid him by banking hard but terrified some ground crew. A few days later carrying out 'Rhubarb' or 'Jim Crow' he was bounced by a number of FW190's as he was coming back over the Channel low , he broke the wire , and with some opposite stick/rudder he got away. He then said, "full throttle , full boost, full pants" . God, that kite went.

[@Warbirds]

Awesome Story thanks !

[@williamirlam8758]

@@Warbirds You welcome, there are various others, some stemming from when he was no2 to Flt Lt Cyril Gosling . See the book "Black crosses off my wing tips" page 44. Also prior to going out to Malta, while with 41 squadron he took his MkX11 EB M I believe on a AA gun/radar calibration sortie where he had to fly straight and level at 20,000 feet for twenty minutes or until he was told calibration was complete, then it was roll straight down full throttle , the ASI needle went pass 600 and hit the stop at 0 , on one occasion there was an unexplained noise heard by the people on the ground and thats when he (quote) got his b**ls chewed off by the C.O., Tom Neill.

[@SpiritOfMontgomery]

@@williamirlam8758 tbh getting Tom Neil to give you a bollocking is almost like an honour since he seemed like the worlds nicest man, every interview I’ve seen and read of his he just seems like a really really good guy. Also, my girlfriend who isn’t much into history nor aviation sat down and watched the Spitfire doc on Netflix and thought he was quite attractive lol, which I had to agree with

[@williamirlam8758]

@@SpiritOfMontgomery I quiet agree, but they were very different times, and as my grandfather was relatively inexperienced on the spitfire, having only got his wings months before, and only a Sgt pilot he and other 'youngsters' did get in the neck from the 'Barons', as they were Known.

[@jameswebb4593]

The Mk XII could show a Fw 190 a clean pair of heals at low level .

[@darklordneo]

the sound of victory that echoes through the ages

[@Warbirds]

yes

[@dastard98765]

That Sir is a very perceptive observation.

[@bryanmccraw6981]

Now that’s a burble! What a beautiful noise!

[@Warbirds]

awesome. Hubraum ist nur durch mehr Hubraum zu ersetzen

[@photosbyernesto9621]

such a beautiful plane! Love the sound of those WW2 engines on full song!

[@kenprouse5840]

I could listen to that sweet music all day any day.

[@baddog5936]

It's that elongated kink along the exhaust manifold line in the cowling from nose to nearly the cockpit that captures the eye.

[@maryrafuse3851]

The sound of this engine is amazing.

[@Warbirds]

True

[@VauxhallVictorMan]

My father used to repair crashed Spits, Hurricanes and Wellingtons. I wish he was still here to see this. He would love it.

[@barrymccready2329]

Beautiful photography of a beautiful aeroplane!

[@Warbirds]

Thanks Barry

[@vmcauley]

Fw190 and the good old spit...... two of my favourites.... both of them possess a purity of design

[@Warbirds]

True

[@blissy1]

Agree FW 190 excellent aircraft, with performance to match the Spitfire

[@pierregastie-leroy4922]

The nicer line of the spitfire, power, agility, tail, glass cockpit streamline. It is not a machine, it is a body suit !

[@petercastles5978]

The Spit chief test pilot said in his book that he liked the Griffon powered Spits the best. I don't think they made such a lot of them. Lovely to see it flying, thank you.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

only 1800 were ever made and only 8100 Griffon engines...... the Brits had toooo many tea times !! ! !

[@DanielDeRudder]

I'm sure if somehow he could see how his initial design had evolved over time R.J. Mitchell would have been very proud indeed.

[@jurgengreve4651]

Griffon engines are the best Sound ever , goosebumps allways & ever😎☝💪

[@Warbirds]

Thx watchin an commencting

[@steffenrosmus1864]

I like the FW 190 sound more😉

[@billbonnington7916]

10 litre bigger capacity than the merlin but barely any bigger. Awesome RR design

[@tedmagnum6968]

The engine is 4ft longer...

[@billbonnington7916]

@@tedmagnum6968 the Griffon was SHORTER than the Merlin - 88.7" v 81" for the Griffon. The Griffon was 12% bigger only in total.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Great video and sound. Thanks for posting. What an amazing, brutal yet elegant aircraft with the huge snd powerful Griffon.

[@Warbirds]

Thanks watching and liking

[@GaryLaaks1]

One stunning majestic aircraft. Always will be.

[@MattsAviationChannel]

Freaking awesome video of this amazing Spitfire! Massive like!!

[@paulthecityzen5472]

Sounds like an angel dancing in your ears, Griffon/ Merlin the best

[@pauln1557]

3 litres per cylinder! Lovely sound.

[@crashrr2993]

I didn't realize that the Spit's wings had such a steep dihedral. I always thought that they were quite flat. You learn something every day.

[@paulcoppin8657]

up to ,I think, the Mk 18/19 the basic Mitchell wing was not changed but these last ones did have a modified wing as well as a modified tail and rudder area, the added length to take the Griffin and the added torque from the more powerful engine was the reason I believe. there is no such thing as a bad Spitfire but I prefer the Mk5 and its slightly later varients best, I guess the Mk1 was the poorest of course,too many basic errors (I can't believe no one realised, to begin with, that if you angled the exhaust ports backwards it would increase the speed!!

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

They have not been changed recently.

[@neildonaldson3408]

Well for me, I like them all. As an aviation enthusiast I understand the pros and cons of each type but I'm sure, given a fair view, this is a real beautiful machine representative of the final and ultimate high point of piston engined development of the era.

[@Warbirds]

Thanks for liking and your comment

[@andrewthomas1536]

Totally agree with you. They all have thier particular thing about them that we all like / dislike but there's no beating the beautiful sounds of these aircraft.v

[@samrodian919]

Well you seem to think that it was the ultimate piston engine, but what about the Bristol Napier Sabre used in the Hawker Typhoon? Would that not take the ultimate accolade for piston engines? And believe you me I am a huge fan of the RR Merlin and Griffon

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

@@samrodian919 The Napier Sabre did not have a high altitude capable supercharger. Napier were taken over by English Electric not Bristol.

[@robertdarcy2168]

BEAUTIFUL Aircraft. STUNNING Appearance. Completely different sound to the Merlin. Quite Wonderful 👍

[@Warbirds]

Danke

[@vtwintora]

Hats off to you Guy's, much respect. I just love the spitfire, Super good video. Thanks!

[@Warbirds]

Thanks watching and subscribing

[@johnc4774]

stunning, and what a sound.

[@blissy1]

An absolute beast, to think this aircraft was obsolete the year I was born

[@jamesmorgan7526]

Awesome aircraft!

[@bobwilcox1147]

R J Mitchell would be very proud of his baby!

[@Warbirds]

who is RJ Mitchell ?

[@vinbar35]

@@Warbirds Seriously?

[@robginnaw8131]

@@Warbirds the man who designed the answer to the messersmitt. He met him as Germany became swept over with adolphs stupidity. Got the urge that Britain would need a fighter and designed it night and day. Mitchell could easily be described as the first man to give his life for Britain before war had broken out. A film called the first of the few is available here on KZbin that tells the story of the spitfire and Mitchell.

[@luciusesox1luckysox570]

I love Spitfires, Hells teeth they were built just down the road from where I live. For me this is not the definitive Spitfire though. Monster piston engined fighter that she no doubtabley is for me the sheer simple elegance of the early models encapsulate the beauty of the Spitfire. They were not about power but balance and although the Mk5 was outclassed by the 190 I think it had it all. Spitfires, things of beauty for sure :)

[@Tinker1950]

Admit it, English is somehow foreign to you isn't it?

[@anthonywilson4873]

The Merlin engine has a softer friendlier growl. The Griffin is a no nonsense growl, 37 litre worked into where the 27 litre was, must have been a shock when the German fighter pilots flying the Butcher bird first ran into it. Sounds in very good fettle.

[@idleonlooker1078]

I love tear-drop Spitfires!! My favourite being the Mk.XVIe.

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

Not much difference.

[@motorTranz]

Absolutely stunning mate! Thanks

[@Warbirds]

Thx

[@geraldthompson6904]

' Poetry - in - motion ! Awesome .

[@Warbirds]

Thanks watching

[@user-ct3ml6iu4n]

What a beast! She must be a dream to fly

[@705547]

Ein beeindruckendes Flugzeug, und perfekt gefilmt 😎

[@Warbirds]

Danke Dir einen schönen Restsonntag

[@billfarley9167]

I've never seen a Spitfire with a counter rotating prop. Amazing!

[@robertphillips3078]

The Mighty Spitfire, best WW2 Plane hands down. This Mk18 with the Griffon 37ltr.. Awesome. Would place an Order 4 one if l had the $$$ Might require a pilots license as well

[@bencobley4234]

You can see why this was about it for the Spitfire, in terms of development. The thing has grown huge. It's got a beast of an engine, yet that same narrow undercarriage. Still, it's wonderful to see - and hear.

[@Warbirds]

Thanks watching mate

[@ivorbiggun710]

Still a pretty easy aircraft to land though. One of the beautiful things about the Spitfire was how its handling remained good despite the huge increase in power and AUW.

[@jwdrone512]

Wow.. That sound....

[@dicklynne]

I used fly that Spit here in the states for Rudy Frasca for nine years at his airport and OSH.

[@Warbirds]

Ok wow didnt know. A great Machine

[@nickthegreek843]

The merlin sounds just that little bit sweeter i reckon.

[@Warbirds]

Merlin plays a melody this is thunderdome

[@robginnaw8131]

Agreed sir. The griff sounds beefier but not as I remember the true spitfire sound we have fell in love with. Still as beautiful today in looks though. Most beautiful plane to ever fly. Period.

[@larry4789]

@@Warbirds well put.

[@thethirdman225]

You need to hear a Centaurus.

[@iainadam1005]

It's just excellent no match for such a beautiful plane.

[@andrestimmermanis7346]

What a wonderful video of a truly beautiful plane. Great sound recording. Glad to have found this channel. Whilst these machines were all designed to do the most aweful thing.....the hum San involved still managed to infuse a beauty in them and a care for those who had to risk everything in them. If only air wars could be decided by pylon racing or something similar...the machines we would see then.

[@theq-1]

Nice, a plane bolted to a huge propeller.

[@Warbirds]

5 Blade

[@artisansportsman8950]

Brave men who flew these in conflict.

[@truckertom3323]

That's the sound of Victory.

[@Warbirds]

Indeed

[@dem0nsl4yer]

Beauty and the beast in one!

[@charlestellis7021]

Just marvellous!

[@rhannay39]

If it looks right, it is right, and there were very, very few that looked as right as this.

[@grizzle273463]

OMG THAT SOUND! THAT SOUND!

[@stephenjenkins10]

What a noise! Fantastic!

[@Warbirds]

its sound

[@RayHaffenden]

That is the soundtrack to my early years being born a few miles from Biggin Hill.

[@Acheiropoietos]

I live near Goodwood. There are a few warbirds here but nothing like this beauty!

[@hopsta5628]

I live near a small country airport in Australia which has a company next door where they restore old warbirds, I love listening to sounds of the engines in the sky when the warbird club are flying, I often imagine this is what the English skies sounded like during the war when I hear the Spitfires and Hurricanes.

[@gregbuck701]

When that lotto hits....this, a bearcat, P51, and a F4u-5 will be in the hanger!

[@Warbirds]

Wow you Go for the big jackpot

[@gregbuck701]

@@Warbirds You gotta go big!! Of course youd have to hire a full time mechanic too. Lol.

[@Petertrottierrealtor]

What a magnificent aircraft ! ❤️

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

Same displacement (more or less) as the 109’s DB 601/5.

[@aleksimakela6787]

Yeah I think Messerschmitt had 36 liter engines. Pretty much more than 27 liter Merlin.

[@andrestimmermanis7346]

The Germans had to use more capacity to make up for inferior fuel octane ratings. Was a problem throughout the war.

[@rooijan3434]

Only the Americans could brew up the high octane fuel. The Germans came up with things like water injection to make up for it but by then the war was lost

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

@@rooijan3434 Don’t forget the very high efficiency compression needed to make use of the detonation resistance, the supercharger took power as well as giving it.

[@artemiafarrar5008]

The Spitfire V12 is one badass plane indeed!

[@tripwire3992]

Gotta love the griffon engine

[@scottc3]

Stunning!!

[@Warbirds]

Thx

[@desirespecht8327]

magnifique démonstrations sensationnelle machine 🥇🥂

[@Warbirds]

thx

[@DougBrighTan_o7]

Very beautiful aircraft of the Spitfire 😊

[@davidmcleod7757]

beautiful bird lucky man too be flying it

[@Warbirds]

Really Lucky 👍

[@matthewthomas8432]

the greatest invention of the British along with the Lancaster and Mosquito. and not forgetting, Larks A-sending by Vaughn Williams with Janet Jansin

[@frankgalloway6679]

If I could be carried into church to Larks ascending and then have my ashes dropped from the bomb bay of a Lancaster over Derwent Water.....

[@matthewthomas8432]

@@frankgalloway6679: ❤️ it mate. hope you are well at this time. let’s meet in a field and thank God we are still here. Matt in NZ via Oz, japan and ZA.

[@stevelewis7263]

The Spitfire was like a delicate , beautiful woman who hid a SWITCHBLADE in her garter, deceptively DEADLY

[@davidtillson729]

Stunning

[@weesky2000]

Nice sound from the spitfire

[@christisgod3354]

Nice, throaty sound.

[@Warbirds]

Hubraum ist durch nichts zu ersetzen

[@gerardhoolachan2172]

lovely...... but the mk 5 or mk 9 is the sweetest sound, the classic sound if you like 👌

[@flutter8712]

A dream still flying

[@GERntleMAN]

Fw-190 sounds just like a thunderstorm confined in a case ready to burst. The Spitfire is nice, has a cool melody to it, but it's not brutal or vicious

[@BIGPIPES74]

Would love to do some loops in this beauty !

[@Warbirds]

me 2

[@tommallon4052]

Can you picture showing up at an airshow in a F-35 and the locals bring this out. I would feel so inadequate.

[@Warbirds]

Indeed

[@christopherpardell4418]

Until you had to shoot someone.

[@ant2312]

stupid comment Tom

[@blacktiger974]

It has "Born to kill" written all over it

[@Warbirds]

and Beast

[@copee2960]

I'm pretty sure this is the type of spitfire that we have/had on show in our museum here in Stoke-On-Trent........prefer the sound of the Merlin...but still a lovely sound....can't wait till the spit is in its new home that's being built for it on the side of our museum. PIP PIP.

[@robginnaw8131]

Is that what it is. Aww man I can't wait. Been wondering what that work was for. Nice one for the info. I hope it revolves. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Dave5843-d9m]

You can never have too many cubic inches. This one has nearly 600 more than a Merlin. Though given a preference I prefer the Merlin sound.

[@Warbirds]

same here

[@DepakoteMeister]

3:38 'Bumps a daisy' 'You can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that!'

[@Warbirds]

LOL

[@anthonypetty9288]

😂 Nice reference!

[@DepakoteMeister]

@@anthonypetty9288 Thank you!

[@PaddyPatrone]

Obs das so nochmal zu sehen gibt?....

[@Warbirds]

Ich hoffe es. Da die G-12 schon "abgezogen" wurde befürchte ich, dass sich die Sammlung verteilt

[@barriepayne1690]

Without these and pilots,we would have been in the shit. God bless them all

[@birdman316]

another sweet beast! wonder if it would have "spun up" faster with 4 blades...however would have lacked top end speed?

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

In low density air at altitude the extra big blades absorbed the extra power. At 30,000 feet the air pressure is about 30% of that at sea level.

[@abryg8655]

that familiar 🎼 sound of the growling engine 🎶

[@johnmfjw]

Beautiful, JFYI each cylinder is 3 litre.

[@Warbirds]

awesome fuel consumption

[@blatherskite9601]

Monster of an aeroplane!

[@Warbirds]

Yes 🙌

[@fincuthill5802]

That sound is so beautiful in a machine made to kill

[@king-o-vetts9899]

Didn’t they build some of these to chase down the V1 Buzz Bombs? We all owe a debt of gratitude to the guys that dedicate the time, energy and money to keep these treasures alive and flying.

[@melvyncox3361]

Simply beautiful😎👍💕!

[@Warbirds]

Thx

[@keithmyers6121]

THE ULTIMATE SPITFIRE!

[@aviationlba747]

Griffon>Merlin in my opinion. The Griffon just sounds so aggressive!

[@Warbirds]

Thanks watching

[@robginnaw8131]

Definitely sounds different from the Merlin. Lovely engines both.

[@millycarrington]

@@robginnaw8131 10 Litre larger engine and a different cylinder firing order make the difference.

[@robginnaw8131]

@@millycarrington 10 litres increase is a 3rd of the Merlin lol. The supercharger still sings beautifully too. Although the Griffon is great overall, my hearts still with the Merlin. Just a sweeter sound to me.😎😎

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

BEAST!

[@sizzler2462]

Just finished reading wing leader by Johnny Johnson I have a lump in my throat

[@glennpowell3444]

Just a fun fact. Despite the 10 litre difference in capacity from the merlin,the griffon still v12 ran a different firing order.The crank ran anticlockwise and the distinct difference in sound is in large due to the firing order.