MADE FOR TWO

MORE AND MORE SPITFIRE TWO-SEATERS ARE EMERGING FROM WORKSHOPS. DANIEL FORD EXAMINES THE ORIGINAL TRAINER VERSIONS

ARC’s Spitfire Tr.9 PV202 in a previous colour scheme representing its days as Irish Air Corps’ IAI161.
ALL VIA AUTHOR UNLESS NOTED
Miles test pilot Bill Skinner in the prototype Kestrel in June 1937. The ‘2’ is its ‘new types’ number for that year’s Hendon display.
MILES AIRCRAFT

It was not until 1941 that thought was given to a conversion trainer version of the Supermarine Spitfire. By that stage in the war, the advanced flying syllabus was such that a dedicated two-seater was not necessary and indeed could be regarded as a luxury. Supermarine chief designer Joseph Smith had so many demands on his time that it was not long before the file was moved to the bottom of the pile.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below