SUPERMARINE TYPE 300 - THE PROTOTYPE SPITFIRE

SEVENTY YEARS OF THE SPITFIRE

The Spitfire first flew at 16:30 GMT on March 5, 1936.  The Supermarine Spitfire was a single-seat fighter used by the RAF and many Allied countries in World War II.  The Spitfire was designed by R. J. Mitchell, who continued to refine it until his death in 1937.  The elliptical wing had a thin cross section, allowing a faster top speed  than the Hurricane and other contemporary designs; it also resulted in a distinctive appearance.  Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire saw service during the whole of World War II in all theaters of the war and in many different varients.

Note:      K5054, EASTLEIGH, MAY 1936
Scale:    1:32

Item Number:    AA33908                                                                                                                                                               Price:    $98.95

 Historical Note:    By early March of 1936 the prototype, K5054, had completed the ground trials and engine run-up tests.  The necessary Aeronautical Inspection Directorate's Certificate had been issued, and so the Spitfire was ready for the first flight.  There has been much debate upon the exact date that this flight took place, although Spitfire historian Alfred Price uncovered a hand written report of the expenditure on the Spitfire Program dated February 29, 1936, amounting to $25,414 on which is handwritten "Flown March 5, 1936."