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.
This is
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 5b BM597 taken at its home base in
Duxford just after sunrise on one of the famous airfield’s air
show days. BM597 is a combat veteran of WW2, following the war
it was used for filming the Battle of Britain movie and toured
RAF bases as a Gate Guardian before being returned to flight
in the late 1980s. It is currently owned and operated by the
Historic Aircraft Collection.
http://www.historicaircraftcollection.ltd.uk/spitfire.htm |
