Showing 1 to 10 of 18 search results

Sopwith 5F1 Dolphin

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1918, London, Hangar Two, 77/A/475

The Dolphin was flown by the RAF in the First World War. Its unusual wing arrangement gave its pilot an excellent view.

Biplane with grey body and wings and wooden struts, © RAF Museum

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 Ia

Aircraft & Exhibits, SEP 1940-FEB 1944, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/872

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

Messerschmitt Me 410A-1-U2

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-DEC 1945, Cosford, Hangar Three, 85/A/78

This Me 410 was surrendered to the British in Denmark in May 1945. The history of its service with the Luftwaffe is not entirely clear.

overhead view of twin piston-engined German fighter with grey/blue/black camouflage, © 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

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt II

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1945-1958, London, Hangar Three/Four, 1994/1337/A

The Thunderbolt was one of the three most important American fighters produced during the war and saw extensive service with the United States Army Air Force before its comparatively late introduction into RAF operational service in 1944.

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt II on display at Hendon, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Hawker Tempest TT.5

Aircraft & Exhibits, JAN 1945-1972, In Storage, 72/A/571

The Tempest was one of the last piston-engined front line fighters demonstrating the maximum performance that could be achieved with a piston engine and propeller combination.

Hawker Tempest on display at the RAF Museum, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / RAF Museum

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIE

Aircraft & Exhibits, JUL 1945-OCT 1989, London, Hangar Three/Four, 1995/1012/A

The Spitfire XVI was the last major version of the Spitfire to be powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin before introduction of the Rolls-Royce Griffon powered variants.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI on display at Hendon, RAF Museum

Messerschmitt Me 163B-1a Komet

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1945, London, Hangar Five, 85/A/66

The Me163 Komet rocket was deployed by the Luftwaffe in a desperate attempt to combat the Allied strategic bombing offensive during the closing stages of the Second World War. It was the only rocket propelled interceptor ever to be used operationally. It was not as successful as expected, only shooting down nine Allied aircraft for a loss of 14 Komets.

Portside view of Messerschmitt 163 Komet on a white background., © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan