The Supermarine Spitfire |
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!
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.
ReplyDeleteHhmm, I need to find a photo with all three of those birds, in formation. I do think that might just give me the vapors!
DeleteAs 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!
That Telegraph vid was/is GOOD. It boggles the mind that the aircraft was restored after all that time.
ReplyDeleteI know. That's why I included it. What the heck, it was a first for me, three aircraft vids!
DeleteGood stuff! Love them Spitfires.
ReplyDeleteJust shows you're a man of true taste and wisdom.
DeleteWell, after watching the video, I know what I'm doing 20 seconds after winning the lottery tonight.
ReplyDeleteOh. My. God!
DeleteMe too. (Don't tell the Missus Herself. She's semi-terrified of winged-things.)
Beautiful birds!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of the Spitfire nearly overwhelms me at times. Seriously.
DeleteMy two favorite aircraft, the Spitfire and Mustang. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Hhmm, you and Juvat have me thinking. I might just fire up the mighty Google Images search engine later today.
Delete(And those windows on the Brit flat top are kind of neat.)