Accession Number:

ADA183883

Title:

Wings of the Finest Hour: Evolution of the Supermarine Spitfire.

Descriptive Note:

Student rept.,

Corporate Author:

AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLL MAXWELL AFB AL

Personal Author(s):

• Ritz,Michael W.

Report Date:

1987-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

42.0

Abstract:

The evolution of the Supermarine Spitfire is a classic example of the myth and magic of modern combat aircraft development and employment. This research paper examines the Supermarine Spitfires place in aviation history, including a review of the Spitfires concept and birth, its technological evolution, and its combat evolution. In examining the Spitfires concept and birth, the paper discusses designer R. J. Mitchell, the doctrine, strategy, and perceptions of the RAF, and the British aircraft industry. A review of the Spitfires technological evolution includes a brief examination of airframe, armament, and performance characteristics. The aircrafts combat evolution concludes the paper, discussing the Spitfires combat performance in the Battle of Britain and successive World War II campaigns and comparing the Spitfire with other contemporary fighter aircraft. Notes and bibliography are included. Author

Descriptors:

• *FIGHTER AIRCRAFT
• *AERIAL WARFARE
• *BOMBER AIRCRAFT
• AERONAUTICS
• AIRCRAFT
• AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY
• BATTLES
• BIBLIOGRAPHIES
• COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS
• COMBAT FORCES
• EVOLUTION(GENERAL)
• GREAT BRITAIN
• HISTORY
• MILITARY AIRCRAFT
• WINGS

Subject Categories:

• Attack and Fighter Aircraft
• Bombers
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE