Spitfire turns 90: The legendary WWII fighter that defended Britain

The legendary Supermarine Spitfire - the most famous aircraft flown by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War - celebrates the 90th anniversary of its first flight. On 5 March 1936, the prototype K5054 lifted off from Eastleigh Aerodrome near Southampton, marking the beginning of one of the most iconic chapters in aviation history. The Spitfire Mk I, the first production model introduced in 1938, featured its distinctive elliptical wings, an all-metal structure, and the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. With incredible speed, agility, and firepower—including eight Browning .303 machine guns firing up to 160 rounds per second—the Spitfire became a formidable force in the skies. During the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire proved more than a match for the German Luftwaffe, helping defend the United Kingdom during one of the most critical moments of World War II. #Spitfire #RAF #WWIIHistory #BattleOfBritain #AviationHistory #MilitaryAviation #RoyalAirForce #Spitfire90 #WW2Aircraft #HistoricAircraft #AviationLegends #FlyingLegends