Supermarine Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter aircraft introduced in the late 1930s. Known for its elliptical wing design, it played a crucial role during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft became one of the most recognizable fighters of the war.

Supermarine Spitfire Vb ‘AB910 / SH-F’ © Alan Wilson

Overview

Supermarine United Kingdom 1938–1948 $16,000 (1939)

Supermarine Spitfire — World War II fighter aircraftThe Spitfire first flew in 1936 and entered service in 1938. It was designed to combine speed, maneuverability, and firepower. Continuous development produced numerous variants throughout the war.Early models were powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin engines producing over 1,000 horsepower. Later variants exceeded 400 knots (741 km/h) in maximum speed. Maximum takeoff weight varied widely depending on configuration.The Spitfire served in multiple theaters and roles. Its adaptability allowed it to remain effective throughout the war. Today, it remains one of the most celebrated aircraft in aviation history.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 V-12
Engine type
Piston
Power
1,470 hp · 1,096 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
29 ft 11 in  ·  9.12 m
Tail height
11 ft 5 in  ·  3.48 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 11 in  ·  0.90 m
Wing span
36 ft 10 in  ·  11.23 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
6,700 lb  ·  3,050 kg
Max landing weight
6,600 lb  ·  3,000 kg
Max payload
1,100 lb  ·  500 kg
Fuel capacity
100 gal · 400 L · 300 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
320 kt  ·  368 mph  ·  593 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
68 kt  ·  78 mph  ·  126 km/h
Range
960 nm  ·  1,100 mi  ·  1,780 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
37,000 ft  ·  11,300 m
Rate of climb
2,600 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,000 ft  ·  310 m
Landing distance
790 ft  ·  240 m
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Supermarine Spitfire

Operational Context

On March 5, 1936, the aircraft prototype piloted by Joseph Mutt Summers took to the air for the first time. On August 4, 1938, it entered into service. Numerous versions of the Spitfire were produced from 1938 until 1948, featuring various wing modifications, and it was manufactured in larger quantities compared to other British aircraft. A total of 20,351 Spitfires were built. It was retired in 1961.

The Spitfire Mk VB variant is a single crew aircraft with an external length of 9.12 meters, an external height of 3.02 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 0.9 meters. It has a tail height of 3.48 meters and a wheelbase of 5.6 meters. The wingspan is 11.23 meters and the wing area is 22.49 square meters. It has an empty weight of 2,297 kg,  a gross weight of 3,004 kg, a maximum takeoff weight of 2,029 kg, a maximum payload of 500 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 102 US gal.

The aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 engine. It is a twelve-cylinder, supercharged, liquid-cooled Vee piston engine with overhead camshaft, two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder, sodium-cooled exhaust valve stems, two-speed two-stage supercharger, twin-choke updraught carburetor with automatic mixture control, dry sump oil system with one pressure pump and two scavenge pumps, and a pressurized cooling system. It produces a maximum takeoff thrust of 1,470 hp and drives a three-bladed Rotol constant-speed propeller.

The Spitfire has a maximum speed of 320 knots. It has a standard range of 416 nautical miles, a combat range of 216 nautical miles, and a ferry range of 960 nautical miles with fuel tank. It can fly up to 36,500 feet and can climb at a rate of 2,600 feet per minute. The aircraft is also loaded with various guns such as Browning Mk II machine guns and Hispano Mk II cannon.