Supermarine Spitfire

A British single-seat fighter aircraft used in World War II

Overview

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that took its first flight in 1936. It is one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II and remains a symbol of British resilience.

Supermarine Spitfire

Design and Development

The Spitfire was designed by Reginald Mitchell and featured elliptical wings for aerodynamic efficiency. Its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine provided exceptional speed and agility.

Operational History

Spitfires saw extensive service in the Battle of Britain in 1940, protecting the UK against the Luftwaffe. They remained in production until 1947 and were used by numerous air forces worldwide.

Variants

The Spitfire had many variants during its production run:

Legacy

The Spitfire remains a cultural icon and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful jet fighters in aviation history. It continues to be preserved in museums and airshows around the world.

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Related pages: World War II, Air Force, Fighter Aircraft