The Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II was based on the Spitfire VC. This version incorporated catapult spools, and a single slinging lug on either side of the fuselage, just behind the engine bulkhead in addition to the modifications added to the Mk.IB. Three subtypes were produced, the F Mk IIC and FR Mk IIC (fighter reconnaissance), powered by a Merlin 46, and the L Mk IIC powered by a low altitude Merlin 32 specifically manufactured for naval use. Both engine models drove a four bladed 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) diameter Rotol propeller.
The Mk.IIC was the first of the Seafires to be deployed operationally in large numbers, Supermarine constructed 262 of this model and a further 110 being built by Westland. Although developed for aircraft carrier use, this version still lacked the folding wings.
Historical photos of the Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II can be found here.
Supermarine Seafire Mk.II HMS Formidable Dec 1942Supermarine Seafire Mk.II HMS Formidable Dec 1942Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC MB182 HMS Formidable July 1943 during the invasion of SicilySupermarine Seafire Mk IIc landing on HMS Formidable in the Mediterranean, December 1942Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC landing on HMS Formidable Oct 1943Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC MB156 on HMS FormidableSupermarine Seafire Mk.IIC on HMS Formidable while at GibraltarSupermarine Seafire Mk IIc taking off from HMS Formidable. Mediterranean Sea December, 1943Supermarine Seafire on Board HMS Formidable in the Mediterranean December 1942
Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC fighters on board HMS Furious July 1943Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC on board HMS Furious July 1943Supermarine Seafire Mk IIC of No 807 Squadron just airborne over the windbreak of HMS Furious during Operation Torch
Seafire LR.Mk.IIC of No. 807 Squadron that has crash-landed on HMS Hunter’s deckCrashed Seafire on HMS HunterCrashed Seafire F.Mk.IIC LR642 of No.807 Squadron
Supermarine Seafire landing on HMS IndomitableSupermarine Seafire landing on HMS IndomitableSupermarine Seafire Mk. IIC (MB193 7K) of 880 Squadron, being manhandled on lift of HMS Indomitable, 1943Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II fighters on HMS Indomitable, Mediterranean Sea.Supermarine Seafire IICs in HMS Indomitable’s hanger 1943
Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II fighters being ranged on HMS Tracker Oct 1943Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II fighter being ranged on HMS Tracker Oct 1943A Supermarine Seafire F Mk.II undergoing maintenance on HMS Tracker Oct 1943
HMS Victorious
Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIC on board HMS Victorious May 1942 for flying trialsSupermarine Seafire Mk.IIC on board HMS Victorious May 1942 for flying trialsSupermarine Seafire Mk.IIC on board HMS Victorious May 1942 for flying trials
Land Based Seafire Mk.IIC Aircraft
Seafire IIC MA971 Jan 1943 at Lee-on-Solent Naval Air StationSeafire IIC MA971 Jan 1943 at Lee-on-Solent Naval Air StationSupermarine Seafire L Mk IIC (MB293) seen with practice bombs on centreline rack during trials at the A&AEE in the spring of 1944