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Answer :
The design of the Spitfire, built by the Supermarine Aviation Works, is credited to Chief Designer Reginald Mitchell. Mitchell’s design was in response to a British Air Ministry requirement for an eight-gunned monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit. Top speed of the new aircraft would have to be in the 300-350 mph. Range.
The prototype Spitfire took flight on March 5, 1936. The Royal Air Force (RAF) placed its first order for Spitfires in June of 1936 and the first airplanes were delivered on August 4, 1938. Production ended in October of 1947. A total of 20,334 were built.
Reginald Mitchell designed what many call the most famous fighter of all time, but passed away before the Spitfire reached widespread fame. He died in 1937 from abdominal cancer.
The Spitfire was used in many roles and theaters of operation. Spitfires were used as low and high-level fighters, in the Royal Air Force and Navy and as unarmed reconnaissance aircraft.
Steve Buss
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