LEGENDS OF WWII: Supermarine Spitfire

The most iconic fighter of all time is the short-range interceptor, designed by RJ Mitchell and first flown in March 1936. The Supermarine Spitfire underwent numerous revisions and upgrades as it served throughout WWII and was instrumental, along with the more numerous Hurricane, in winning the Battle of Britain. The key features of the Spitfire were its fast climb rate, high speed and small turning circle. The last Spitfire came off the production line in February 1948, with a total of 20,351 aeroplanes of all variants having been built. Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is the only existing Spitfire still flying that fought in the Battle of Britain.

• STATISTICS
• Spitfire Mk VB
• Top speed: 371mph
• Service ceiling: 35,000ft
• Armament: 2 x 0.79in Hispano II cannon, 4 x 0.303in Browning MG, 2 x 250lb bombs
• Engine: Rolls Royce Merlin 45
• Number built: 20,351
• Entered service: 1938
• Designer: RJ Mitchell

 

Spitfire LF Mk IX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spitfire VB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spitfire Mk2a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spitfire Mk XVI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spitfire XIV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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