The Supermarine Spitfire is
probably the most famous aircraft of all time. It is a British
Single-seat Fighter (although there were two seat trainer
variants later) that saw extensive service for the Royal Air
Force and its allies during the 2nd World War. It was produced
in several different variants and was constantly updated to
ensure that it was always one of the most able aircrafts on
the front line in all theatres of war. Famously powered by the
distinctive Rolls Royce Merlin (and later Griffin) engine, the
spitfire is a true icon of British engineering.
During the 2nd world war the
Spitfire proved its worth time and time again, seeing early
success in the Battle of Britain and later adapting to bomber
escort, photo reconnaissance and ground attack roles. It was
the most numerous allied fighter, produced throughout the
whole of war unlike any other aircraft. Today there are over
60 Spitfires still flying, but with several restorations
taking place this number is ever growing. The sight of the
iconic elliptical wings and the sound the Rolls Royce Merlin
Engine overhead still stirs emotions and feelings of
admiration for those who flew and maintained them during our
darkest hours.
MH434 is
probably the most famous and best loved of all Spitfires still
flying, it was built in 1943 at Vickers, Castle Bromwich and
was first flown by famous test pilot Alex Henshaw. It went on
to perform admirably during the war. Since 1970, it has
participated across Europe as a key performer in the most
famous air shows. It has also appeared in numerous television
productions and films including the 1968 Battle of Britain
movie. MH434 is based at the historic airfield, Duxford where
it is maintained and operated with great pride by the Old
Flying Machine Company (OFMC).
http://www.mh434.com/ |
