The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, from the Mk 1 to the Rolls-Royce Griffon-engined Mk 24 using several wing configurations and guns. It was the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire remains popular among enthusiasts; around 70 remain airworthy, and many more are static exhibits in aviation museums throughout the world.
| Spitfire | |
|---|---|
| https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Spitfire_-_Season_Premiere_Airshow_2018_%28cropped%29.jpg/300px-Spitfire_-_Season_Premiere_Airshow_2018_%28cropped%29.jpg | |
| Spitfire LF Mk IX, MH434 in 2018 in the markings of its original unit No. 222 Squadron RAF. | |
| Role | Fighter / Interceptoraircraft |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Supermarine |
| Designer | R. J. Mitchell |
| First flight | 5 March 1936 |
| Introduction | 4 August 1938 |
| Retired | 1961 (Irish Air Corps) |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force |
| Produced | 1938–1948 |
| Number built | 20,351 |
| Variants | Supermarine Seafire |
| Developed into | Supermarine Spiteful |
