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.

 

Historic Aviation Video Quiz

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Hopes grow for permanent Spitfire tribute

A fundraising drive to create a National Spitfire Monument at Southampton, close to the legendary fighter’s spiritual home, has been launched.

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The Spitfire simulator used to train real-world pilots

We travelled to Goodwood Aerodrome to check out the only Spitfire simulator in the world used for training real-world Spitfire pilots.

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The incredible story of how Malta survived World War Two

Almost totally surrounded, outnumbered and outresourced, the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta became a byword for bravery and resilience in World War Two, and never more so than in the April of 1942. Joseph Debono explains

Historic Aviation Quiz: BBMF edition!

You may have watched our recent video series, where Key Aero was given a guided tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Now, we're bringing you a quiz to see how carefully you were watching those videos...

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Who was Piotr Łaguna?

With his name slowly spreading through the warbird world, following the announcement that his Spitfire Mk.IIb is returning to the air, we answer the question: who was Piotr Łaguna?

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Latest BBMF boss Sqn Ldr Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden interview

James Peene met with the latest officer in charge of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In the first of a BBMF two-part feature, here’s what Sqn Ldr Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden had to say about his role

BBMF Hangar Tour

With flying activities curtailed for the winter months, there's still plenty going on behind the scenes at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight…

Spitfire MH434 'tour' and Ukraine appeal 

Old Flying Machine Company leader Sarah Hanna is raising money for the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal by offering a special talk and tour of the Duxford-based company’s legendary Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX MH434

IWM Spitfire cockpit experiences

Few aircraft are as entrenched in the hearts and minds of the British public as much as the Supermarine Spitfire. Just getting up close to one of these iconic machines is an emotional experience, but IWM Duxford allows you to go one step further…

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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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