Supermarine Spitfire IX

The Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of World War II, began its development in the mid-1930s as a response to the increasing need for a modern and fast interceptor. Designed by Reginald Joseph Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, the Spitfire evolved from Mitchell’s earlier work on racing seaplanes, particularly the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S.6B. These streamlined, high-performance aircraft provided the foundation for the Spitfire’s aerodynamics and stressed-skin construction. Mitchell’s vision was for a sleek, agile aircraft capable of exceeding 300 mph, a goal achieved through its revolutionary elliptical wing design, which minimized drag while maximizing lift.

The prototype, designated K5054, first flew on March 5, 1936, with test pilot Jeffrey Quill at the controls. Its performance impressed the Royal Air Force (RAF), which placed an initial order of 310 units in June 1936. Early production, however, faced challenges due to the need to adapt mass manufacturing processes to Supermarine’s small-scale operations. By the time the Spitfire entered service in 1938, tensions in Europe were escalating, and its cutting-edge design was crucial to the RAF’s strategy. The Spitfire’s combination of speed, maneuverability, and armament quickly proved its worth in the Battle of Britain, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Allied air superiority.

Spitfire Bombers

While Spitfires were never used by Bomber Command in  strategic bomber operations, 14 canadian squadrons would go on to fly Spitfires.  Of these squadrons, ten were fighter or fighter-bomber squadrons in Europe, three formed a RCAF fighter-reconnaissance wing, and one squadron, No. 417 Squadron, flew fighter-bombers in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy.

Canada and the Spitfire

Canada played a significant role in utilizing the Supermarine Spitfire during World War II, primarily through the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), which operated the aircraft as part of the Allied war effort. Canadian pilots first flew Spitfires in British squadrons within the Royal Air Force (RAF), notably during the Battle of Britain, where Canadian aces like George “Screwball” Beurling gained fame for their skill and bravery. However, as the war progressed, the RCAF began forming its own Spitfire squadrons, notably within the No. 401, No. 402, and No. 412 squadrons of the RCAF.

Canadian Spitfire squadrons were active in several major campaigns, including the defense of Malta, the Allied invasion of Sicily, and the liberation of France. These squadrons provided essential air cover during Operation Jubilee (the Dieppe Raid) in 1942 and were integral to the Normandy landings in 1944. Equipped with Spitfire variants like the Mk V and later the Mk IX, Canadian pilots used the aircraft for interception, ground-attack missions, and escort duties. The Spitfire’s versatility allowed the RCAF to adapt to shifting operational demands, from dogfights over occupied Europe to strafing enemy supply lines. By the end of the war, Canadian Spitfire pilots had distinguished themselves as some of the finest aviators in the Allied forces, leaving a legacy of valor and excellence.

The Museum's Spitfire Project

The project, headed by Rick Featherstone, will help to tell the tale of those pilots who trained in the British Common Wealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), but did not go on to fly Bombers. Two such pilots, Twins Bruce and Doug Warren, known as Duke I and Duke II, grew up in Nanton. They went on to be known as the Gemini Flight.

The Museum’s project recreates a Mk IX spitfire. The Mk IX was one of the most popular fighter aircraft of World War II. It had a combat weight of 4310 kg, a maximum speed of 650 km/h, and a range of 1550 km. The Merlin 66 engine provided a maximum power of 1720 hp at 5750 ft. The Spitfire Mk IX was a significant development in fighter aircraft design.

  • Wingspan 11.35 meters (36 feet 10 inches)
  • Length 9 meters (29 feet 11 inches)
  • Empty Weight 2268 Kgs (5000 lbs)
  • Power plant Roll Royce Merlin 60s series with 1300 – 1700 hp
  • Armament 4 wing mounted .303 British machine guns
  • Max speed 710 Kph (440 Mph)
  • Service ceiling 11125 M (36,500 feet)
  • Range Max  2575 Km (1600 miles)

Museum's Spitfire Project updates