# Tags
#Aviation

Learn about the Amazing Supermarine Spitfire

Even the name sounds awesome, Supermarine Spitfire, no offence Boeing, you’re still my favorite aircraft, love you. Anyway, the amazing Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft, it was used by the Royal Air Force and the other Allied countries before, during, and after WWII. It’s extremely famous, I would be really surprised if you didn’t know about it, I personally found out about the aircraft a week ago. So let us learn more about this incredible aircraft that defeated the German air attacks during the battle of Britain together.

This undated photo shows one of the famed British RAF Supermarine Spitfire planes assembled in Casablanca during World War II, in flight. (AP Photo)

it was designed by R.J. Mitchell, Chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works and let me tell you, it was a hit. It’s the only fighter aircraft to stay in production before, through and after the war, all thanks to its adaptability. Soon after versions of the Spitfire were equipped with cannons, machine-guns, bombs, and rockets. Referring to Military History Matters, 2011, this aircraft could be used at high altitude, or adapted as a ground-attack plane. By the end of the war it went through 13 different designs of propeller. Overall, 20,351 Spitfires were used for RAF.

photo: Flyingheritage.org

The planes design was impeccable; its distinctive elliptical wings were the reason behind the aircraft’s superlative aerodynamic characteristics. Pilots were so in love with this aircraft, they started calling it “a ballerina in flight”. The design of the aircraft was ground breaking at the time allowing the aircraft to be upgraded with new engines and armaments. As the war continued so did the Supermarine Spitfire, and although the designer R. J. Mitchell passed away, his successor carried on the weight and improved the aircraft by making it faster and more powerful.

photo: BBC.co.uk

During the battle of Britain, in 1940 Hitler sent 2,600 Luftwaffe fighters and bombers to destroy the Royal Air Force. At the start of the battle, the RAF had only 640 fighters – Hurricanes and Spitfires – so the German commander was sure of their victory. But fortunately the Britain started producing more and faster fighter planes than the Germans. First the Hurricanes took out the bombers, then the Mark I Spitfire, with their agility and speed, were sent to shoot down German fighters. Eventually the more organized Royal Air force defeated the Luftwaffe and took down 1,887 German planes. How the tables have turned, Britain at that point was ready to take down Germany.

photo: Flyingheritage.org

In conclusion, the Spitfire’s astounding design gave Britain the advantage in the Battle of Britain against Germany, and made it one of the most famous and beautiful fighters in World War II. It was truly a symbol of victory.


References:

https://flyingheritage.org/Explore/The-Collection/Britian/Supermarine-Spitfire-Mk-Vc.aspx

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/why-do-we-love-the-spitfire/z7p4f4j#:~:text=The%20Spitfire%20is%20the%20most,head%20duels%20with%20the%20enemy.

https://www.military-history.org/articles/history-of-the-spitfire.htm

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Aviation for Aviators

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading