Why was the Seafire IIC special?

Short answer

It was the second seminaval variant of the Seafire and the first built as one from the outset. It was based on the Spitfire Vc and added catapult spools and a hoisting point on each side of the fuselage. It was also the first Seafire deployed operationally in large numbers.

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

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

The first designed as a carrier aircraft

The Seafire F Mk.IIc was the second semi-naval variant of the Seafire and the first built directly as such. It was based on the Spitfire Vc. In addition to the modifications already incorporated in the main batch of Seafire Ib, it added catapult spools and a single lifting point on each side of the fuselage, just behind the engine bulkhead. Folding wings did not arrive until the Mk III.

Three subtypes and two Merlins

Three subtypes were produced. The F Mk.IIc and the FR Mk.IIc reconnaissance version had a Merlin 46. The L Mk.IIc was fitted with a low-altitude Merlin 32 made specifically for naval use. That version of the Merlin used a clipped supercharger impeller to give more power at low altitude than the standard engines, with 1,585 hp (1,182 kW) at 2,750 ft (840 m). Both engines drove a four-bladed Rotol propeller 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) in diameter.

In service: from mass deployment to Salerno

The IIc was the first Seafire deployed operationally in large numbers. The low point came off Salerno, in September 1943, with some 106 Seafire IICs embarked on escort carriers.