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.

 

The pub where Spitfire pilots drank

Key.Aero meets two Spitfire experts at The Eagle in Cambridge, a place with a poignant tribute to the pilots who gave their lives.

Inside the wartime Spitfire factory

Jonathan Garraway examines the vast Castle Bromwich Spitfire factory and its prodigious output.

How hard is it to restore a Spitfire?

Key.Aero heads to the Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill, one of the world’s great Spitfire collections

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WORKSHOP: Nursed back to health

With the addition of Spitfire IXT TE308 to its fleet...

New Spitfire documentary is must-watch TV!

Have you been watching ‘Inside the Spitfire Factory’? The second episode airs at 9pm, Monday October 5 on More4 – don’t miss it!

Key aircraft from the Battle of Britain

As we mark the Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary, watch exclusive footage of four aircraft that all served in the conflict.

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Escort Fighters: 118 Sqn’s Spitfire Years – Part 2

Tom Spencer concludes the story of 118 Sqn’s Spitfires...

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AEROPLANE MEETS... Mike Searle

He flew the last airworthy Sunderland, he raced a Spitfire...

82 Years of the Spitfire at Duxford

On August 4, 1938, the operational history of the Spitfire began with Duxford’s No. 19 Squadron

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Repaired, Reworked... and Lifting Our Spirits

Assistant Editor Jamie Ewan talks to the Aircraft Restoration Company...

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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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