Supermarine Spitfire I
Serial Number:
K9942
Period: WWII
Collection Ref: 72/A/263
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes
The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft
in history. It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping
to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain.
The prototype made its first flight four years earlier as Britain's industry
geared up to re-arm against the threat from Nazi Germany. From the beginning
pilots recognised it as a thoroughbred combining a perfection of design
with superb handling characteristics.
No.19 Squadron put this eight-gun fighter into service in August 1938
and by the outbreak of war, a year later, nine squadrons were equipped.
Production rapidly built up and by July 1940 there were nineteen Spitfire
I squadrons available. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout
the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination
of the British public and enemy alike.
Perhaps the greatest compliment paid to this aircraft was made at the
height of the Battle of Britain by a German ace, who in a moment of anger
and frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron
of Spitfires!
1566 Spitfire Is were built and this machine is the oldest surviving example
of its type.
When you visit RAF Museum Cosford, take a look at the primitive ring and bead gun sight.
Aeronautical designer: Reginald Mitchell
Reginald Mitchell designed the Spitfire,
which remains to this day one of the
most celebrated planes ever developed.
