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.

 

Dramatic Spitfire and Hurricane flypast stars at Duxford show

A 20-aircraft warbird formation set the seal on IWM Duxford’s annual Battle of Britain event

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Combat veteran Spitfire flies in UK

Supermarine Spitfire FRXIVe RM927 has made its first flight for 70 years

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Spitfire BS410: The complete story

Spitfire IX BS410’s remains lay buried for more than sixty years in a French marsh. Ben Dunnell recounts the aircraft’s incredible story, following its successful return to the air in April

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The remarkable place where Rolls-Royce developed the mighty Merlin

In the first of a two-part feature, heritage photographer and curator Nigel Gibson describes the early days of Hucknall’s Flight Test Establishment, its vital relationship with Rolls-Royce and the role of his grandfather, Ted Gibson

Spitfire wreck located on Maltese seabed

The Virtual Underwater Museum in Malta has published a series of images revealing the submerged wreck of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc, sitting upright on the seabed at a depth of some 70m.

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Birmingham dates added to Spitfire tour

A Spitfire from the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is heading to Birmingham in July, as five new dates are added to the Spitfire’s tour of the Midlands

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Combat veteran Spitfire fires up

Supermarine Spitfire FRXIVe RM927/G-SXIV was having its Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 engine tested at Sywell in mid-May, with a first flight expected soon thereafter.

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IN PICTURES: Shuttleworth Collection Season Premiere

All eyes were on Old Warden as the Shuttleworth Collection opened its doors in fine style with its traditional Season Premiere. Key.Aero presents a selection of images depicting the wide range of aircraft that took part in the airshow

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Sweden’s Spitfires in the Cold War

Of all aspects of the Spitfire’s service, its post-war use as a photo-reconnaissance platform by the Swedish Air Force is one of the least well-known — especially as regards clandestine overflights of the Soviet Union

BBMF Spitfire comes off runway during landing

A Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) came off the runway while landing at Coningsby on May 11.

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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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