The Spitfire at 90: A Look in the Past

(Fun fact: this also happens to be Planes & Chess' 90th announcement)

The Supermarine Spitfire was perhaps the most iconic British fighter in World War II. Since its first flight 90 years ago, in 1936, over 20,000 Spitfires were built, serving in every theater of the war,  under the RAF, the RAAF, the RCAF, the RNZAF, the Soviet Air Force, and even the US Army Air Forces. It continued its military service for twenty two years, serving under the French, Turkish, Egyptian, Polish, and South African air forces. It remains one of the only aircraft to see widespread use throughout the entirety of the war, a testament to its durability and effectiveness.

The Spitfire's use in World War II was legendary. It famously defended London during the Battle of Britain, performing so ferociously that when Adolf Galland, Germany's top ace, was asked what he needed to win the battle, he responded with, "I should like an outfit of Spitfires for my squadron."

Germany's new wonder-weapon, the V-1 rocket bomb, met its match in the Spitfire, one of few aircraft fast enough to chase it. Spitfires were credited with over 300 V-1 kills, saving hundreds of British lives. Spitfire pilots employed a genius "wing-tipping" tactic in which the Spitfire's wing was brought close to that of the V-1's, creating turbulence from air vortexes and causing the bomb to spin out.

Throughout Europe, Spitfires were achieving kill ratios as high as 4:1 against German fighters. They escorted bomber raids, strafed German positions, and provided vital Close-Air support on D-Day, wearing the iconic "invasion stripes". They also served as the "eyes in the sky", flying risky high-altitude photo reconnaissance missions and spotting for naval gunfire.

Over North Africa, the USAAF used hundreds of Spitfires  against the Germans. During the Siege of Malta, Spitfires were delivered by aircraft carrier and were influential in saving the tiny island. American pilots famously preferred the Spitfire's agility over any other available planes, with many American aces scoring their first kills in the cockpit of a Spitfire. Top: USAAF Spitfires bearing the US roundel in Africa, circa 1943 (Life Magazine archives), Bottom:                                                       RAF Spitfires on a carrier at Malta 

In the humid South Pacific jungles, Spitfires soared over the treetops defending Burma and Australia against Japanese Zeros. The Spitfire's maneuverability was crucial to outmatching the nimble Zeros. Australian pilots like the legendary ace Clive Caldwell adopted "boom and zoom" tactics, climbing high and diving fast to save time and reduce casualties. In the deep jungle, Spitfires defended against bombing raids as well, saving villages from Japanese incendiary bombs.

The Spitfire ended the war responsible for roughly 15-20,000 enemy aircraft destroyed across all theaters.

In addition to its widespread service, the Spitfire was an impressive feat of engineering. Its innovative elliptical wing allowed it to maintain speeds of 400 miles per hour and stay maneuverable at high altitudes. This design was so effective, that in 1944, long before the Bell X-1 broke the sound barrier, a Spitfire XI reached speeds just Mach 0.08 shy of flying faster than sound.

Another testament to the Spitfire's capabilities is how it grew throughout the war. British engineers were constantly reworking and upgrading the fighter to perform and adapt as best possible. The Spitfire model at the start of the war, the Mk I produced 1,030 horsepower with a top speed of roughly 360 mph. The Spitfire ended the war with the Mk 24 model, capable of 2300 horsepower and 450 mph.

The Supermarine Spitfire was a truly incredible feat of engineering and a remarkably capable fighting machine, serving in 24 countries over 2 decades and fighting in every theater of World War II, a testament to its incredible skills and performance. Happy 90th Birthday to the Supermarine Spitfire!