Supermarine Spitfire
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The Supermarine Spitfire is a world War II interceptor fighter built by Supermarine in the UK. It first flew in 1936 and entered service in 1938. A fast, agile interceptor built around a thin elliptical wing and the Merlin engine.
Photo: Supermarine Spitfire on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed595 km/h (370 mph)
- Range1,135 km (705 miles)
- First flight1936
- Wingspan11.2 m (37 ft)
Supermarine Spitfire specs
| Top speed | 595 km/h (370 mph)Varies widely by mark; this is a typical early-war figure. |
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| Range | 1,135 km (705 miles) |
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| Length | 9.1 m (30 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 11.2 m (37 ft) |
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| Height | 3.9 m (13 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 3 t (6,614 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 |
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| First flight | 1936 |
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| Entered service | 1938 |
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| Built by | Supermarine (UK) |
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Supermarine Spitfire facts
- Instantly recognizable by its elegant elliptical wing.
- Famous for its role in the 1940 Battle of Britain.
Quick quiz
When did the Supermarine Spitfire first fly?
In 1936.
Who built the Supermarine Spitfire?
Supermarine, in the UK.
How fast can the Supermarine Spitfire fly?
Its top speed is 595 km/h (370 mph).
How far can the Supermarine Spitfire fly?
About 1,135 km (705 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
Supermarine Spitfire vs similar aircraft
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