This aircraft was built by Bill SPITFRND Wilson using version 2.82.100 of the AvHistory 1% Assembly Line process. It is based on the stock CFS3 Spitfire IXc visual created by Microsoft and painted by ZUYAX.
ZUYAX painted this plane in the livery of Group Captain Wilfred Duncan Smith, OC No 324 Wing, Calvi, Corsica, 1944.
In early 1944, Rolls Royce discovered that it could further increase the performance of its Merlin 61 and 66 model engines by refitting them to use 150 octane fuel, rather than the standard 100 octane. This permitted the use of up to 25 lbs of boost for up to five minutes at a time. The engine mountings were strengthened and an expanded range boost gauge was added.
The modification was quite successful, adding nearly 30 mph in speed and over 600 fps in climb rate to the Mark IXs low to mid altitude performance. Peak boost fuel consuption was increased by about 25%. The refit created no maintence issues other than a significant reduction in exhauxt manifold life which the British considered a small price for such improved performance. This modification was also made to many Mark VIIIs.
The 150 octane capable Spitfires were nick named "Basta", which in Italian means 'more than enough'.