Supermarine Spitfire

While R.J. Mitchell designed the airframe of the Spitfire, the powerful engine that propelled it was the Rolls-Royce Merlin V12. This supercharged engine allowed the fighter plane to reach speeds over 360 miles per hour at high altitudes. Later versions of the Spitfire used the even more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine.

Designer R.J. Mitchell chose an elliptical wing planform because it provided the thinnest possible cross-section, reducing aerodynamic drag while housing a strong structure and the retractable landing gear. This design also allowed for a massive eight-machine gun armament to be spread across the wingspan. This wing shape gave the aircraft its legendary maneuverability.

Despite its fame, the Spitfire was actually outnumbered by the Hawker Hurricane during the Battle of Britain in 1940. While Hurricanes were tasked with shooting down bombers, the faster Spitfires were deployed primarily to engage the escorting German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters. Both planes were vital to winning the air battle.

Over 20,000 Supermarine Spitfires were built between 1938 and 1948, making it one of the most produced Allied aircraft of the war. The plane underwent continuous upgrades throughout its service life, resulting in 24 different marks (variants). Today, only around 60 remain in airworthy condition worldwide.