The Spitfire will need no introduction, being one of the most famous aircraft of all time. The first Spitfire flew in 1936 and the aircraft progressed through many design improvements until the final mark, the Spitfire 24, some 20,400 airframes later. The last Spitfire left the factory in February 1948, a much changed machine compared to the first, but still bearing a strong family resemblance. The Spitfire was improved as Worla War II progressed in order to stay ahead of improving Luftwaffe aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Focke Wulf Fwl90. Improvements were made to all aspects of the Spitfire, with improved fire-power, engine and aerodynamics. Pilots of the day tend to quote the Mark IX as being the best of the breed, where all of the aircraft's features were in harmony, producing the classic piston engined fighter. Spitfires are popular performers at airshows throughout the summer, with numbers increasing as more airframes are restored to flying condition, at some shows there have been as many as twelve Spitfires in the air together, a thrilling sight and sound.
