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The story of the Supermarine Spitfire Designed by Reginald Mitchell - born in Stoke-on-Trent |
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Reginald Mitchell - Son of Stoke-on-TrentMitchell, Reginald Joseph was born in 1895 at Talke in Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England. He was famous as a British aircraft designer and the developer of the Spitfire, one of the best-known fighters in World War II.
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Among the most famous aircraft of all time, the Spitfire began operations before World War II and was one of the few pre-war types to remain in first-line service until the end of the war and beyond. As the war progressed, the Spitfire received heavier armament and more powerful engines until it was twice as heavy and powerful as the original mark. In all, 21554 were built in 24 different versions, including some 1220 Seafires fitted for aircraft carrier operation. |
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World War II |
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The Supermarine Spitfire: you can follow an operational history by Christopher Whitehead:- |
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Reginald Mitchell designed the Spitfire based upon his seaplane - the Supermarine S6 - that set speed records and won the Schneider Trophy in 1931. Unfortunately, he died in 1937 before his remarkable creation ever saw combat. Mitchell hated the name, Spitfire; he preferred "Shrew." Though his fighter would have been just as deadly no matter what it was called, perhaps the Luftwaffe should be grateful than their pilots never had to report that they had been attacked by a flight of Shrews. Joseph Smith was the Spitfire's chief design engineer and was responsible for it's development and success after Mitchell's death. |
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A summary of the development of the Spitfire: |
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Mk X Mk XII Mk XIII Mk XIV Mk XV Mk XVI Mk XVII Mk XVIII Mk XIX |
Mk XX |
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Other aircraft sites:
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Questions and comments to: Steve Birks |
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