More information on the Spitfire

If you book a Spitfire experience to fly in or alongside one of these iconic planes, you probably already know how significant this WW2 fighter is in British aviation history. This More Information section gives you more background history on this and other amazing wartime aircraft. Perfect to read before your Spitfire flight or experience!

The Spitfire - an aviation icon still flying

The Supermarine Spitfire was designed by RJ Mitchell as a formidable attacking weapon in the war torn skies. Prototypes first flew in March 1936 and the aircraft went into full production in 1938. The last working Spitfire retired in 1961, but this plane has never been forgotten and never will, thanks to the very deep pockets and determination of classic and wartime aviation fans.

Out of over 20,000 built, (many of which were assembled at the Cowley Plant in West Bromwich), there are only around 50 airworthy examples left today. And yes, every time one of these fabulous World War Two fighters takes to the skies, those lucky enough to see it by chance are bound to stop, stare in sheer admiration with a proud smile on their face.

Even those too young to remember what it was like in wartime Britain will know all about this famous aircraft. After all, you don't have to be an RAF veteran to have a lump in your throat when you hear the throaty purr of that finely tuned Rolls Royce Merlin engine. Many agree she simply epitomises the bravery of those who fought (with many paying the ultimate price) for freedom.

Click here to view our video about the Spitfire and what it's like to fly .

It's not only about Spitfire flights...

Of course, the Spitfire wasn't alone. In military aviation there were also the Hurricanes, the tough workhorses of the skies. Each plane played a vital role in the Battle of Britain that raged over the British and French coastline between July and October 1940.

This critical point in World War Two is still remembered today with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which most commonly sees the trio of the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire fly regularly together.

Sadly, the BoB Lancaster is the only one left flying, but the Hurricane is seeing something of a revival (perhaps due to the success of flights in restored two seater Spitfires) and you can now fly in a Hurricane too.

How two-seater Spitfire flights came about

But back to the Spitfires. There are only a handful of these super rare two seaters around the world (they are actually converted MkIXs). And it's only in the last few years that the CAA changed the rules so that Spitfire flying experiences are even possible.

We are lucky enough to exclusively offer tandem Spitfire flights at historic Biggin Hill Airport and at other aerodromes around the country, to take you on the most amazing and evocative passenger ride ever.

But if this unique experience is out of your price range, you can still get close to these wonderful aeroplanes, with Spitfire flights and visits for all budgets. Book in to tour the Spitfire Factory where the dedicated and quite frankly ridiculously talented team strips down and lovingly restores warbirds. Or go for the full monty experience with a personal Spitfire flying display (how cool is that!?).

Whichever of our wonderful Spitfire experiences you choose, we are sure you'll be captivated and moved by the day you met the Spit.