Spitfire Mk.IX "Aces"

5 RAF ACES VERSIONS: F/Lt Pierre Clostermann, W/Cdr James E. Johnson, F/Lt Jan Falkowski, S/Ldr Russell Foskett, F/Lt George Beurling

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The Supermarine Spitfire fighter can undoubtedly be considered one of the most famous aircraft in the history of aviation and an icon of British aeronautical production. A single-engine, low-wing aircraft equipped with effective offensive armament, it formed, in its early versions, together with the Hawker Hurricane, the backbone of the Royal Air Force fighter units during the Battle of Britain against the German Luftwaffe. Victory in the Battle of Britain helped to secure great prestige for the Spitfire. It was characterized by its harmonious design, elliptical wing, and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. During the war, in order to respond to the technological innovations of its adversaries that led to the development of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Spitfire was continuously evolved in its aerodynamic configuration and engines. The Spitfire Mk IX then entered production and, thanks to its performance, was able to compete on equal terms with the most modern German fighters. Piloted by the most famous aces of the Royal Air Force, it achieved a significant number of aerial victories.