How far could the reconnaissance Spitfire PR XI reach?

Short answer

Its range was put at 1,360 miles. The PR Mk XI was built around the Mk IX fuselage, with the extra fuselage tanks of the standard PR variants plus wing tanks, and without the fighters' armament, a decision meant to save weight and improve fuel economy.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How far could the reconnaissance Spitfire PR XI reach?

Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IX MH434 in flight at the 2018 Season Premiere AirshowAirwolfhound (CC BY SA), vía commons

A range of 1,360 miles

The PR Mk XI's range was put at 1,360 miles. That capability rested on the fuel layout: the type was built around the Mk IX fuselage, but it incorporated the extra fuselage tanks characteristic of the standard PR variants and, in addition, tanks housed in the wings. The aircraft lacked the armament typical of the fighter models, a deliberate decision to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Interchangeable cameras

The PR Mk XI used a universal camera installation that allowed cameras to be swapped easily. This made it possible to use a much wider variety of cameras.

First flight, service and production

It first flew on 21 November 1942 and entered service in the summer of 1943. It was built in greater numbers than any other photo-reconnaissance variant, with more than 470 examples in total.