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.
March Picture of the Month Runners-up
Each month we publish the winners of our online Picture of the Week competition and make one of them our FlyPast Picture of the Month...
Evolution of an Icon: IWM Duxford’s incredible Spitfire collection
Aviation News Editor Jamie Ewan reports from Imperial War Museum Duxford’s unique salute to chronicle the development of the indomitable Supermarine Spitfire
EXCLUSIVE: Reuniting Spitfires MH415 and MH434
Reuniting a pair of Spitfire IXs that flew and fought together on the same wartime RAF squadron — and went on to have remarkably interconnected lives in peacetime, too
Spitfire Saviours of Cogea Nouvelle
COGEA Nouvelle is well-known for having operated six Spitfire IXs from the late 1950s to the early ’60s — all but one survive today. But what was this Belgian company, and why did it buy Spitfires?
Battle of Britain's Big Screen 'Spits
With the addition to the world’s airworthy Spitfire fleet of MH415, another Battle of Britain film veteran is operational again. But what of the other ‘Spits’ that appeared in the 1969 epic? Aeroplane lists their present-day whereabouts, or fates
FlyPast's 40th Birthday Spitfire Flight Winner!
For our 40th birthday, FlyPast teamed up with Aero Legends to offer one lucky winner the flight of a lifetime. Tara Leggett recalls the day from start to finish
Pierre Clostermann: The Big Show
Continuing our look at WW2 biographies, Le Grande Circue, or The Big Show as we Limeys would say, is an all-time classic and yet another must-read memoir for anyone with a passion for WW2 aviation…
Get involved with Aero Legends' new Spitfire Restoration
Aero Legends has launched an experience package enabling you to witness first hand all the great milestones throughout the restoration of their Spitfire MJ444
First flight beckons for Australian Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX MH603 is expected to make its first post-restoration flight from Scone, New South Wales after extensive refurbishment from Vintage Fighter Restorations. The immaculate warbird is now also available to purchase via Platinum Fighter Sales
Air-to-air with the Polish Heritage Flight
Established in 2019 to salute the heroism of Polish aircrew during World War Two, the Polish Heritage Flight possesses a Spitfire with significant history. Darren Harbar goes air-to-air with this magnificent machine and learns more about its provenance and role
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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