Supermarine Spitfire Operational History
The Supermarine Spitfire, the only British fighter to be manufactured before, during and after the Second World War, was designed as a short-range fighter capable of defending Britain from bomber attack and achieved legendary status fulfilling this role during the Battle of Britain. According to fighter ace J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson it was the best conventional defensive fighter of the war.
As the war continued, however, the fighter evolved into a multi-role aircraft capable of operating in different environments. For example, the Spitfire was a pioneer in the role of the unarmed, photo reconnaissance (P.R) aircraft which relied on high speed and high altitude to avoid detection and avoid attack.
Post-war the Spitfire was to continue to serve as a front line fighter and in secondary roles for several air forces well into the 1950s. The last offensive sorties made by RAF Spitfires were flown by 60 Squadron Mk XVIIIs over Malaya on 1 January 1951.
Read more about Supermarine Spitfire Operational History: Spitfire Night Fighter, European Offensive 1941–43, Photo Reconnaissance, Mediterranean Service, Italian Cobelligerent Air Force, Spitfires of The USSR, Postwar Service, See Also
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