When was the Supermarine Spitfire Made? The Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of World War II, first flew in 1936. It entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1938 and was continuously developed throughout the war, with various marks and versions being produced until 1948.

The Birthplace of the Spitfire

The monoplane fighter design for the Spitfire was conceived at Supermarine around 1933-34. The first prototype, identified as K5054, had its first test flight in March 1936 from Eastleigh Airfield in Southampton, which is now known as Southampton Airport. Prior to 1940, production of the Spitfire primarily took place at the Supermarine Works in Southampton. However, following a devastating German air raid on the Supermarine works, production was moved to Castle Bromwich Aerodrome in Birmingham.

The Production Journey of the Spitfire

The majority of Spitfires were produced at Castle Bromwich Aerodrome. Over 45,000 Spitfires were manufactured, making it one of the most produced fighter aircraft in history. Interestingly, this production shared the same birthplace with another famous aircraft, the Lancasters, which were also produced there.

Early Specifications and Features

The first production model, the Spitfire Mk I, was delivered to the RAF in 1938. It featured a twin-bladed fixed-pitch wooden propeller, a fixed tail skid instead of a tail wheel, and 8 x .303 Browning machine guns. Significant improvements were made in 1939-1940, including the addition of ejector exhaust ports and a long-wave wireless telephone and antenna system. The cockpit also included a half black and half white underside for tactical recognition, a feature that was introduced after the German air raids on the UK in 1940.

Upgrades during World War II

Before the "Phoney War" period, which lasted from September 1939 to May 1940, Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons were rapidly upgraded with two-pitch triple-blade propellers. This upgrade improved takeoff characteristics and performance, thanks to the use of early Merlin engines with a single-stage supercharger.

Iconic Features and Design

The Spitfire featured several iconic design elements that contributed to its success in combat. These included the tail wheel, which made the aircraft more stable during landing, and the bubble canopy, which significantly improved the pilot's visibility. Additionally, the aircraft was equipped with a parachute harness, although pilots carried them until 1945 when Mae West lifejackets became standard issue for flights over the sea.

Historical Significance

The Supermarine Spitfire remains a testament to British aeronautical engineering and military ingenuity. From its humble beginnings in Southampton to its widespread use and iconic status in World War II, the Spitfire stands as a symbol of resilience and courage. Today, a replica of the first prototype Spitfire can be seen outside the entrance of Southampton City Airport, serving as a reminder of this aircraft's enduring legacy.