When the initial prototype of the Supermarine Spitfire first flew in 1936, it was the proposed answer to a concern that many were starting to voice: British defence needed to be strengthened, especially in the air. Despite never seeing the finished product fly, its designer R.J Mitchell had a vision that would see his aircraft be more successful than any other. But he could never have known just how much of a success it would become: an icon.
Before the first prototype even finished its official trials, the Royal Air Force ordered 310 production Spitfires. It was but a sign of things to come. In total, 20,351 Supermarine Spitfires were produced across 24 marks.
Imperial War Museum's 'Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon' exhibition will allow visitors to travel at their leisure through ten years of production, 23 years of active service and over 80 years of history. From real warbirds that were shot down during active duty (such as N3200) to photo reconnaissance aircraft that have since been used for fundraising (such as ArCo's PL983, or the 'NHS Spitfire'), the exhibition will take visitors through a journey of early marks to the later ones.
In this video, Liam Shaw, Events and Experiences Coordinator for IWM Duxford, explains how…
