Imperial War Museum Duxford

Imperial War Museum Duxford

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Supermarine Spitfire

Spitfires over Duxford (Richard Paver)

Probably the most famous fighter of all time, the Supermarine Spitfire will forever be a symbol of British defiance during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Developed from a series of high-performance float-planes, the Spitfire first entered RAF service at Duxford in 1938.

The Spitfire was in production for 12 years and when manufacturing ceased in 1948 more than 22,000 Spitfires and Seafires (Spitfires adapted for use on aircraft carriers) had been built.

In the course of its development the Spitfire increased its maximum speed by a quarter and doubled its weight. Numerous examples of the legendary aircraft are usually on show at Duxford, including a rare example of the ultimate version, the Mk 24.