Friday, December 13, 2013

The Friday Flyby - 13 December

The Supermarine Spitfire
Back in July of this year, I mentioned my love for the Spitfire. In a post about the P-51 Mustang. Which followed a post about the Spitfire. The video in that latter post brought tears to my eyes. I liked that video so much, here it is again.


The sheer joy on Mr James' face still touches me.

I know, I know. Many of you find other aircraft more enticing, prettier, deadlier, what have you. For me, the Spitfire is the most beautiful aircraft ever to "have slipped the surly bonds". So here's to you Mr Mitchell and your magnificent creation.

Reginald Joseph Mitchell
British Aeronautical Engineer
Chief Designer at Supermarine Aviation Works
"Father" of the Spitfire
1895 - 1937

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Spitfire...

From Wikipedia -
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries in the Second World War. The Spitfire was produced in greater number than any other British aircraft and was the only British fighter in continuous production throughout the war, and it continued in use as a fighter and also in secondary roles into the 1950s. Owing to the iconic status that the Spitfire achieved during its operational years, preservation and restoration of remaining examples have occupied enthusiasts for the half century since it ceased production.
Polish Spitfire


The Spitfire "Unveiled"
Spitfire Pilots

Spitfire Hunting Party

Spitfire vs ME-110

Spitfire Mk XVI

Spitfire vs ME-109

The Carrier Version of the Spitfire
The Seafire

Spitfire Above the Clouds

The Two Most Beautiful Aircraft
Ever...




Yup, I love the Spitfire! (Can ya tell?)



Well done, Mr Mitchell, well done!

12 comments:

  1. Can't disagree with your "The Two Most Beautiful Aircraft Ever.." comment. Throw in the F-4U Corsair and you got a Trifecta! Well, for prop aircraft anyway, I'm kinda partial to a certain twin engine jet also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hhmm, I need to find a photo with all three of those birds, in formation. I do think that might just give me the vapors!

      As to your partiality, I'm sure you're referring to the Eagle. While the Phantom has a certain brutal beauty, the F-15 is a true thoroughbred! I say this knowing you have flown both. If you say the Phantom is prettier than the Eagle I would guess one of two things -

      1) You never forget your first... or

      2) You've been drinking, heavily. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

      Delete
  2. That Telegraph vid was/is GOOD. It boggles the mind that the aircraft was restored after all that time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know. That's why I included it. What the heck, it was a first for me, three aircraft vids!

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Just shows you're a man of true taste and wisdom.

      Delete
  4. Well, after watching the video, I know what I'm doing 20 seconds after winning the lottery tonight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh. My. God!

      Me too. (Don't tell the Missus Herself. She's semi-terrified of winged-things.)

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. The beauty of the Spitfire nearly overwhelms me at times. Seriously.

      Delete
  6. My two favorite aircraft, the Spitfire and Mustang. Beautiful.
    I love the gallery windows on the aircraft carrier with the Seafire on it. Deck to Overhead windows on the bridge and flag bridge?! Why don't we have those?
    Another plane I love is the B17. Getting a picture of the three of them in flight together would be great. They must be around since they do all kinds of airshows together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hhmm, you and Juvat have me thinking. I might just fire up the mighty Google Images search engine later today.

      (And those windows on the Brit flat top are kind of neat.)

      Delete

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