In 1931, the Air Ministry released specification F7/30, calling for a modern fighter capable of a flying speed of 250 … See more

In the mid-1930s, aviation design teams worldwide began developing a new generation of fighter aircraft. The French Dewoitine D.520 and the German Messerschmitt Bf 109, for example, were designed t… See more

The operational history of the Spitfire with the RAF began with the first Mk Is K9789, which entered service with 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford on 4 August 1938. The Spitfire achieved legendary status during the Battle of Britain, … See more

Although R. J. Mitchell is justifiably known as the engineer who designed the Spitfire, his premature death in 1937 meant that all development after that date was undertaken by a team led by his chief draughtsm… See more

Owing to its wide usage in World War II and iconic status, a large number of Spitfires have survived into preservation. 240 Spitfires are preserved as of 2023; this includes around 60 airworthy planes. Many air museu… See more

• A fibreglass replica of the Mk.1 Spitfire Mk1 YT-J (R6675), flown by Supermarine test pilot Jeffrey Quill during his brief period of active service with 65 Squadron, is on display at the Battle of Britain memorial at Capel-le-F… See more

British organisation, the Aircraft Restoration Company (Formally Historic Flying Limited), has either restored, overhauled or built from scratch a significant proportion of the Spitfires that are now airworthy. Several other manu… See more