By September 1937 Spitfire prototype K5054 was camouflaged. Its career ended in a crash on September 4, 1939 - the day after Britain entered the war.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Preparing for war: Spitfire Mk Is of 19 Squadron early in 1939, bearing the newly-introduced WZ unit code and toned-down roundel. When war came in September, a total of 306 Spitfires had been delivered to 11 squadrons.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Spitfire prototype K5054 in its overall light blue colour scheme, adopted shortly after its maiden flight. Armament would later be fitted to the aircraft, and the exhausts would be modified.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

The beautiful Supermarine S.6B captured both the Schneider Trophy and the World Absolute Speed Record in 1931, marking the triumphant climax of R.J. Mitchell’s efforts to perfect the design of the racing seaplane.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine S.5 / S.6 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1927

The author chats with Carolyn Grace in her two-seat Spitfire Mk IX, ML407/G-LFIX. A regular sight on the airshow circuit for many years, the aircraft helps to keep the spirit of the Spitfire and of R.J. Mitchell alive for future generations.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Trainer - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942