Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
November 1942 photo of a very early Mk IXb of 306 (Polish) ToruĊski Squadron.. The Supermarine Spitfire, the only British fighter to be manufactured before, during and after the Second World War, was designed as a short-range fighter capable of defending Britain from bomber attack [1] and achieved legendary status fulfilling this role during the Battle of Britain. [2]
Audio recording of Spitfire fly-past at the 2011 family day at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire Supermarine Spitfire G-AWGB landing at Biggin Hill Airport, June 2024. The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II.
The many changes were made in order to fulfil Royal Air Force requirements and to successfully engage in combat with ever-improving enemy aircraft. [3] With the death of the original designer, Reginald J. Mitchell, in June 1937, all variants of the Spitfire were designed by his successor, Joseph Smith, and a team of engineers and draftsmen. [4]
The squadron provided escort for fighter-bomber squadrons and engaged in ground attack missions for the rest of the war, using the island of Vis as an advanced base until 1 January 1945, when the squadron's air echelon became permanently based there.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk I: 30/08/40 11/11/40 Coltishall: Sqn Ldr John Hamar Hill: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX: 29/04/43 30/12/43 Woodvale: Sqn Ldr E J F Harrington Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX: 10/03/44 04/04/44 Selsey No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron: UO Supermarine Spitfire Mk I: 14/08/40 21/08/40 Wittering: Sqn Ldr R L Wilkinson No. 600 (City of ...
Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe SM845 at RAF Leuchars Airshow, 2008. Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe SM845 (G-BUOS). Based in Germany with MeierMotors. This Spitfire was built in May 1945 and delivered to Karachi as part of the South East Asia Command. In the 1970s, it was brought back to the UK for an airworthy restoration with Historic Flying Limited.
Escort fighters were needed but the RAF interceptors such as the Supermarine Spitfire had very limited endurance. An early raid on Rouen-Sotteville rail yards in Brittany on August 17, 1942, required four Spitfire squadrons outbound and five more for the return trip. [12] The USAAF chose to attack aircraft factories and component plants.
Depending on the supercharger fitted, engines were rated as low altitude (e.g.; Merlin 66, Griffon III), where the engine produced its maximum power below about 10,000 feet (3,000 m), medium altitude (Merlin 45), where the engine produced its maximum power up to about 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and high altitude (Merlin 70), where the engine produced its maximum power above about 25,000 feet ...