The Spitfire F Mk XVI was a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the Spitfire LF Mk.IX, aside from the clipped wings, the Mk XVI combined the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German Focke-Wulfe 190 series.

The Mk XVI possessed all the characteristics of the LF Mk. IX regarding armament and performance at low-altitude. Low-altitude climb acceleration was fantastic, climb rate very good, and armament extremely effective. The main distinguishing feature of the XVI was its clipped wings. These wings gave the Mk XVI some distinct advantages- a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. The roll rate made evasion a very easy task- rolling manuvers could easily evade most tail-end attacks by any fighter in the 4.5-5.5 BR range. Even more, the clipped wings of the XVI provided for very good low-altitude speed and acceleration performance- this fighter climbed like a rocket and dove like a hornet  below 1500m.