Supermarine Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire, often referred to as simply ‘Spitfire’, is a British fighter plane which gave the British dominance in the air in the Battle of Britain during World War 2. First produced in 1936 by manufacturer Supermarine, a handful of Spitfires have survived to still be airworthy well into the 21st century.

 

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Review of the new film ‘The Shamrock Spitfire’

Review by Tom Allett, Editor of FlyPast magazine

Spitfire Flight Test

In a recent re-issue of a special magazine by Key Publishing featuring military aircraft flight tests, Dave Unwin takes aloft the legendary Spitfire

WATCH the trailer for the new film of RAF Spitfire ace

The soon to be released film ‘Shamrock Spitfire’ tells the story Brendan “Paddy” Finucane – the legendary Irish pilot who became one of the most celebrated fighter aces of World War Two.

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The challenge to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane: Supermarine twin fighters

When the time came to replace both the Hurricane and Spitfire, the Air Ministry had a very hard act to follow...

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Historic aircraft - UK flight experience guide

A raft of companies offering experience flights in all manner of historic aircraft have sprung up to offer the opportunity to get behind the control columns of aircraft once reserved for a fortunate few. Aviation News provides a who’s who, detailing companies’ fleets and flights

Return to action for Griffon-powered Spitfire

Spitfire FR.XIV will feature at IWM Duxford exhibition later this month

Premiere for ‘Silver Spitfire – The Longest Flight’

The feature length documentary about the famous Silver Spitfire’s global journey will debut on Sunday November 12 at 9pm on Sky History

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How do you keep the sole Rolls-Royce Merlin 63 powered Spitfire airborne?

Merlin Magic! Wearing a distinctive desert sand camouflage scheme, Supermarine Spitfire LZ842 is one of the world’s oldest Mk.IXs. Darren Harbar met up with this newly restored classic’s owner to learn more about this special survivor

Duxford to mark a half century of airshows

This month’s season-closing air display at IWM Duxford, the Flying Finale, will also salute 50 years of shows at the famous airfield

OFMC Spitfire marks 80th anniversary at Duxford

The legendary Old Flying Machine Company Spitfire Mk.IX has reached a landmark ‘birthday’

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Spitfire Plane Facts, News and Restorations

This page is the only place you need for everything Spitfire related; from interesting historical facts to the latest news on restoration projects, Spitfire appearances and more! For example, did you know that early models of the Spitfire had issues with their Browning machine guns freezing at higher altitudes, a problem that was not addressed until 1938 when a heating system was added to the gun bays.

No military plane has become such a renowned symbol of British Airforce superiority both in terms of its engineering prowess and illustrious military record. The Spitfire has become one of the most popular military aircraft amongst restorers, enthusiasts and airshow attendees alike and for the British represents a symbol of victory. Powered by two Rolls Royce Merlin or Griffon engines, the Spitfire was fast with later variants hitting a top speed of 454mph, making it a formidable and agile foe when it came to short range dog fights giving the RAF the slightest of advantages in critical battles of WW2.

Despite being outnumbered by the Hurricane during the battle of Britain, The Spitfire suffered fewer overall losses and had a higher victory to loss ratio. This, in part, is what lead many of the British to believe that the Spitfire was the reason the Battle of Britain was won. In reality the combination of the two planes and their skilful pilots is what lead the British to victory in the skies.

Of all the legendary fighter, bomber and transport military aircraft from this period, the Spitfire is the one that has captured the hearts and minds of countless enthusiasts and lead to a myriad of restoration projects, airshows and museum pieces.

Take a look at our Spitfire related articles below to find out more about this legendary Warbird aircraft. Discover more articles on vintage aircraft restorations.

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