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Supermarine Spitfire Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, APR 1939-NOV 1971, Cosford, Hangar Two, 72/A/263

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.

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

Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb

Aircraft & Exhibits, DEC 1941-DEC 1982, London, Hangar One, 82/A/1716

The Mk V was regarded by pilots as the best handling Spitfire, despite its very short development time. It was also the most widely produced, equipping over 140 RAF squadrons.

Single engine aircraft with camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Rolls-Royce Merlin XX

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942, London, Hangar Five, X001-2544

Although it was famous for powering Spitfires and Hurricanes, the Merlin was also used to power many bomber aircraft. The Merlin XX, fitted to the much larger Halifaxes and Lancasters, had a two-speed supercharger which improved performance at high altitude.

Engine on four-legged stand, RAF Museum / Iain Duncan

Handley Page Halifax Mk II Series 1

Aircraft & Exhibits, 27 MAR 1942-27 APR 1942, London, Hangar Five, 73/A/1113

This Halifax served with No. 102 Squadron. On 27 April 1942, it flew its first operational mission – an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz that was moored in a Norwegian fjord. Damaged by anti-aircraft artillery, the aircraft made a forced landing on a frozen lake. One of the crew suffered a broken ankle and was taken prisoner. The other five, with the help of the Norwegian resistance, escaped to neutral Sweden. W1048 sank to the bottom of the fjord where it remained for the next 31 years.

Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.II on display at RAF Museum London, (C) RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / RAF Museum

Hawker Hurricane Mark IIc

Aircraft & Exhibits, MAR 1944-FEB 1984, Cosford, Hangar Two, 1995/1004/A

The Hawker Hurricane Mk I entered service in 1937 as the RAF's first eight-gun monoplane. During the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes shot down approximately 60% of enemy aircraft – more than all the other air and ground defences combined.

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