Sometimes referred to as a “Salt Water Spitfire,” the “Seafire” name is derived from the Royal Navy’s shortening of the term “Sea-Spitfire”. The Mk 47 became the final mark of the Seafire line and was brought about by the development of its cousin, the land-based Spitfire Mk 24. Of course, in time, the fighter variant naturally produced the requisite Seafire FR Mk 47 photo reconnaissance version. The Mk 47 was considered the best of the Seafire line and broadened its tactical appeal by holding provision for bombs or air-to-surface rockets for the strike role in addition to four 20mm cannons in the wings. Two fuel tanks could be carried under-wing and one fuel tank under the fuselage centerline. Despite all these additions, the Mk 47 still made for a rather speedy mount, able to manage 450+ mph in level flight. Power was provided by the Rolls-Royce Griffon 87 and later Griffon 88 series V-12 fuel-injected engine of 2239 c.i.d. of over 2,400 hp (36% greater than the already legendary Merlin). Contra-rotating propellers were required on the Mk 47 to harness the enormous torque which, under acceleration, would swing the aircraft to starboard in previous Griffon powered variants. In total, 89 Mk 47 aircraft were produced although most were of the photo-reconnaissance type. Service entry was in January of 1948 with production ceasing in early 1949.

The aircraft on display was manufactured by Vickers-Armstrong Supermarine in 1947 and is the only airworthy example of a Mk. 47 Seafire remaining in the world.