150 aircraft were initially ordered although the growing success of new jet propulsion resulted in just 19 of the high performance fighter aircraft being produced.
In total, 2 prototypes and 17 production aircraft were built as the Spiteful F.XIV.
One Vickers Supermarine Spiteful (RB520) had a 2,340 hp Griffon 85 engine fitted, driving a contra-rotating propeller. This aircraft was subsequently converted to become the prototype Vickers Supermarine Seafang, a carrier-based naval version of the type. A one-off prototype F.XVI (RB518) also had a Griffon 101 engine fitted with three-speed supercharger.
In late 1943 / early 1944, Joe Smith suggested a simple design jet-fighter, based around the Spiteful, and utilising a Rolls-Royce engine. The proposal was accepted and the prototype 'Jet Spiteful' (TS409) flew on 27th July 1946. Unfortunately, it found itself in direct competition with the all-new Gloster Meteor and the De Havilland DH100 Vampire, both of which exhibitted far better performance.
However, the Admiralty still expressed interest in the aircraft for use as a naval fighter and they issued a specification for what was eventually to become the Vickers Supermarine Attacker.
Specification (F.XIV)
| Powerplant | One 2,375 hp Rolls-Royce Griffon 69 |
| Span | 35 ft 0 in |
| Maximum Weight | 9,950 lb |
| Capacity and armament | Pilot only, 4 20 mm Hispano cannon, provision for underwing carriage of four 300 lb rockets or two 1,000 lb bombs |
| Maximum Speed | 483 mph at 21,000 ft |
| Range | 564 miles at 240 – 255 mph |
Number built
| 3 Prototypes and 17 Production |
Prototypes & production aircraft (RB515 to RB525, RB527 to
RB531 and RB535).
|
Survivors
| Survivors | No examples survive |
