Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Supermarine Spitfire

Austin Hancock
Austin Hancock
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On this day in aviation history, March 5, 1936, the legendary Supermarine Spitfire took to the skies for the first time. The Spitfire quickly became one of the most iconic aircraft of all time, designed by R.J. Mitchell as a single-seat, short-range fighter-interceptor. Its elegant lines and exceptional performance make it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts. Many consider it one of the most aesthetically pleasing aircraft ever built—not just in appearance but in capability, as its wartime record solidified its place in history.

Royal Air Force Fighter Command 1939 1945. CH18603
An armorer working on the wing of a Supermarine Spitfire at RAF Biggin Hill. (photo via wikipedia)

Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Spitfire first entered RAF service with No. 19 Squadron at Duxford on August 4, 1938. Its true test came during the Battle of Britain in 1940. While the Hawker Hurricane bore the brunt of the fighting, the Spitfire’s superior speed, agility, and lower attrition rate gave it a higher victory-to-loss ratio. Recognizing its strengths, RAF command increasingly tasked Spitfire squadrons with engaging Luftwaffe fighters while Hurricanes focused on intercepting German bombers.

X4650 Spitfire 1a 7D2 2732
X4650 Spitfire 1a. Photo by Nigel Hitchman

Throughout World War II, the Spitfire adapted to numerous roles, excelling as a fighter, fighter-bomber, and photo-reconnaissance aircraft—even serving as an impromptu beer transport for British troops in Europe. The airframe continuously evolved, with improvements such as clipped wings for increased roll rate, a bubble canopy for enhanced visibility, an enlarged vertical stabilizer, and eventually, the powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. These advancements ensured the Spitfire remained a premier Allied fighter throughout the war and even saw limited postwar service, including during the Korean War.

N3200 Spitfire 7D2 9542
N3200 Spitfire. Photo by Nigel Hitchman

Around 70 Spitfires of various marks remain airworthy today, while many more are preserved in museums worldwide. Its enduring legacy continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts, and we are fortunate to still witness these legendary aircraft in flight.

Supermarine Spitfire MK IXE
The Supermarine Spitfire MK IXE is operated by the Military Aviation Museum located in Pungo, VA. (Photo: Richard Mallory Allnut)
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Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
4 Comments
  • Viewed from any angle there’s not a “bad line ” on the beautiful and sensuous Spitfire. If it had a drawback, it would be its rather short range but, then again, the Me 109 was no “ocean cruiser” either! Short range was quite common in Europe during this era and long range was one of the P51 Mustang’s strong points.
    Barry.

    • The P51 Mustang only achieved its long range after a Royals Royce Merlin engine was fitted and the aircraft was fitted with long range drop tanks.

      That aside, the P51 was an exceptional fighter in the hands of a capable pilot

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