Spitfire Sunrise

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