Supermarine Spitfire

The Spitfire was one of the most—perhaps the most—successful fighter designs of all time and its service career linked the biplane era with the jet age. During World War 2 it occupied a unique place in the psyche of the British people and many believed it played a major part in saving the nation from defeat during the grim days of 1940. The wing design gave it a distinctive silhouette, which led to its almost legendary status during the Battle of Britain, and its inimitable drone was immediately recognizable to those on the ground. The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft and was the only Allied fighter in production throughout the war. This handsome new history looks in detail at the development of the Spitfire from its heroics in the Battle of Britain right through action in the European Theater.