Wings of the Finest Hour: Evolution of the Supermarine Spitfire

摘要

The evolution of the Supermarine Spitfire is a classic example of the myth and magic of modern combat aircraft development and employment. This research paper examines the Supermarine Spitfire's place in aviation history, including a review of the Spitfire's concept and birth, its technological evolution, and its combat evolution. In examining the Spitfire's concept and birth, the paper discusses designer R. J. Mitchell, the doctrine, strategy, and perceptions of the RAF, and the British aircraft industry. A review of the Spitfire's technological evolution includes a brief examination of airframe, armament, and performance characteristics. The aircraft's combat evolution concludes the paper, discussing the Spitfire's combat performance in the Battle of Britain and successive World War II campaigns and comparing the Spitfire with other contemporary fighter aircraft. Notes and bibliography are included. (Author)