Squadrons No. 70
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI
The Definitive Operational History 1944-1945

Philedition

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Supermarine Spitfire hardly needs an introduction to modellers, historians or aviation enthusiasts. Few aircraft have generated the same enduring fascination, and among the later Merlin-powered variants, the Spitfire Mk.XVI occupies a particularly interesting niche. Essentially a Mk.IX fitted with the licence-built Packard Merlin engine, the Mk.XVI combined the elegant lines and superb handling of the classic Spitfire with the refinements of late-war production and operational experience.

Phileditions’ latest title in their long-running Squadrons! series, No. 70 – The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI, offers an attractive and highly accessible look at this important variant. As we have come to expect from the series, the emphasis is placed firmly on visual reference material supported by concise and informative captions.

The softcover volume is compact but densely packed with useful material. Period photographs form the backbone of the publication, covering operational aircraft in a wide range of theatres and service conditions. Many of the images are well reproduced and reveal a wealth of detail that will be invaluable to modellers. Camouflage demarcations, stencil placement, weathering patterns, wheel styles, canopy configurations and late-war stores fits are all clearly illustrated throughout the book.

One of the strengths of this title is its coverage of the different production and field variations seen on Mk.XVIs. Bubble-canopy and high-back aircraft are both represented, while clipped-wing configurations receive plenty of attention. The captions are informative without becoming overly technical, striking a good balance between historical context and practical modelling reference.

Colour profiles are another highlight. These are sharply rendered and provide inspiration for anyone planning a Mk.XVI project in any of the popular scales. The inclusion of post-war and auxiliary service aircraft broadens the appeal beyond purely wartime subjects and offers some less frequently modelled options.

For modellers, this book comes at a perfect time. The market currently offers several excellent Spitfire Mk.XVI kits in 1/72 and 1/48 scales, and this volume will serve as a handy companion for detailing and finishing those builds. The photographic coverage of panel lines, armament arrangements, exhaust styles and undercarriage details will be especially appreciated by super-detailers.

The layout is clean and easy to follow, with the familiar Squadrons! presentation making it simple to browse for inspiration or quickly locate reference material during a build. Although the book is not intended as an exhaustive technical history of the type, it succeeds admirably as a modeller’s reference.

Overall, Squadrons! No. 70 – The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI is a worthwhile addition to the series. It is visually appealing, reasonably priced and packed with useful material for aviation enthusiasts and scale modellers alike. Anyone with an interest in late-war Spitfires will find plenty to enjoy here, and it should prove particularly valuable for those planning a Mk.XVI project in the near future.

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Thanks to Philedition for the sample www.raf-in-combat.com 

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 26 May, 2026
Last updated 26 May, 2026

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