Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants)

This article is about Spitfires powered by early Merlin engines. For those with later Merlins, see Supermarine Spitfire (late Merlin-powered variants). For Spitfires powered with Rolls-Royce Griffon engines, see Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon-powered variants).

Spitfire
Polish Spitfire Mk Vb from 303 (Polish) Squadron flown by S/Ldr Zumbach.
Role Fighter
Manufacturer Supermarine
Designer R. J. Mitchell
First flight 5 March 1936
Introduction 1938
Retired 1955, RAF
Primary user Royal Air Force
Produced 1938–1948
Number built 20,351
Variants Seafire
Spiteful
Spitfire Mk Vb BM597 of Duxford's Historic Aircraft Collection in the markings of 317 (Polish) "Wileński" Squadron.

Supermarine Spitfire variants powered by early model Rolls-Royce Merlin engines mostly utilised single-speed, single-stage superchargers. The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. Post-war, the Spitfire's service career continued into the 1950s.[1] The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had called for. This would lead to 19 marks of Spitfire and 52 sub-variants being produced throughout the Second World War, and beyond.[2] 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]

  1. ^ Price 1991, p. 10.
  2. ^ McKinstry 2007, p. 6.
  3. ^ McKinstry 2007, pp. 5–6.
  4. ^ McKinstry 2007, pp. 67–69, 75.