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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How the Spitfire Accidentally Invented Crowdfunding

It has always been an aircraft loved by the people. But thanks to a scheme that was way ahead of its time, the Spitfire was funded by them, too…

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Escort Fighters: 118 Sqn’s Spitfire Years – Part 1

For much of World War Two, the Spitfires of 118 Sqn escorted bombers and strike aircraft on raids over occupied Europe...

A Big Spitfire Thank You

A major fundraising campaign for the NHS will make an airworthy reconnaissance Spitfire its centrepiece.

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D-Day: Aerial Armada

Graham Pitchfork describes the massive airborne assault that paved the way for D-Day

Celebrating the Spitfire

The Spitfire is synonymous with World War 2. Here's a brief video about its incredible history.

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Celebrating the Spitfire and Hurricane

After Colonel Tom Moore received a flypast from these iconic aircraft to mark his 100th birthday and incredible fundraising achievements, here are some things you may not know about them…

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Battle of Britain Fighter Squadrons: Five of the few

The RAF’s Fighter Command fielded 66 squadrons during the Battle of Britain, but their fortunes were very different. Tom Spencer explores the part that five of them played in the historic campaign.

Video tour: The Shuttleworth Collection

Video tour: The Shuttleworth Collection

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Flying the unarmed Spitfire PRIVs of No 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit on sorties over occupied Europe was a hazardous job, especially when the mark was outclassed by the latest opposition. Several pilots found out the hard way, such as Wallace Devereux, shot down — and rescued — in August 1942

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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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