Supermarine Spitfire Mark I

Cosford, Hangar Two Aircraft & Exhibits

More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire has become a much-loved symbol of winning against the odds. Designed by RJ Mitchell, its speed, agility and firepower made it one of the RAF's leading fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

This is the world's oldest surviving Spitfire and first flew in April 1939. Allocated to No. 72 Squadron, it was regularly flown by James Nicolson who went on to earn the only Victoria Cross awarded to RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Damaged in June 1940, K9942 was repaired and used for training during the Battle.

Details

Object number	72/A/263
Maker name	Supermarine Aviation Works Limited
Production date	Apr 1939
Date in use	APR 1939-NOV 1971
Associated with	72 Squadron (RAF) Wg Cdr Eric James Brindley (James) Nicolson 6 Maintenance Unit (RAF) 57 Operational Training Unit (RAF) 33 Maintenance Unit (RAF) 53 Operational Training Unit (RAF) 82 Maintenance Unit (RAF) Air Historical Branch (MOD) 71 Maintenance Unit (RAF) Royal Aeronautical Society, Medway Branch
Associated places	RAF Church Fenton RAF Leconfield RAF Brize Norton RAF Hawarden RAF Lyneham RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey RAF Lichfield RAF Fulbeck RAF Bicester RAF Henlow RAF Cardington RAF Cosford
Key events	Battle of Britain, 1940 Dunkirk, Battle of, 1940 Queen Elizabeth II, visit, Abingdon, 1968

Single engine aircraft with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Help content not yet loaded

Supermarine Spitfire Mark I

Details

Related items

Accessibility