The perfect combination - the Spitfire airframe married to the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The first Spitfire, K5054, first flew on March 5, 1936.

K. J. Mitchell's first solo flight was made in D.H.60X Moth G-ABEK, on July 1, 1934 from Eastleigh. Later that month he obtained his Private Pilot’s Licence (No 7078) and continued to fly with the Hampshire Aeroplane Club.