Cutting Edge

Prototype N.113 WT854 undergoing catapult launching trials on HMS ‘Ark Royal’ in May 1956. KEY C OLLECTION
The fourth production F.1, XD215, was issued to Boscombe Down for acceptance trials in July 1957. VIA AUTHOR

When Reginald Joseph Mitchell succumbed to cancer on Junec 11, 1937 at the age of 42, it was a devastating blow to the creative team at Supermarine. In his final days Mitchell had been poring over calculations and layouts to put cannons into the wing of the Spitfire.

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