The Supermarine Spitfire
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Spitfire LF Mk IX, seen flying in 2005. A British official told SkyNews recently that the Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history of aviation, playing a crucial role in the Second World War. (Wikipedia / Franck Cabrol)
The Spitfire was designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft. (William Vandivert/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
The K9795, a 9th production Mk I Supermarine Spitfire (1938) (Imperial War Museums)
Squadron Leader Donald Finlay of on a Spitfire IIA P7666 (1941) (Royal Air Force)
A Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfire Mk.PR.XIX
A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIA
A Spitfire H.F Mk. VII being tested at Langley (1943) (U.S. Air Force)
A Royal Air Force Photo Reconnaissance Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk XI
A Spitfire XI EN 409 which was used in high speed diving trials (1944)
A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXb, 611 Squadron (1942/1943)
A Supermarine Spitfire F Mk XIIs of the 41st Squadron