Supermarine Spitfire XIX

The Supermarine Spitfire was designed by the Schneider Cup winning Reginal J Mitchell and first flew in March 1936. The aircraft was originally going to be called the Shrew but was quickly renamed as the Spitfire. The Spitfire used a unique elliptical wing shape that combined with innovative sunken rivets gave the aircraft a higher-top speed than most, if not all other fighters of the time. The Spitfire was constantly developed during its life in service with multiple air arms around the world and whilst the Rolls-Royce Merlin powered initial versions, latter versions used the far more powerful Griffon engine. In total 20,351 Spitfires were built and remained in military service until 1961 when the type was retired by the Irish Air Corps.

The Spitfire PR.XIX was the last version of a series of photo-reconnaissance Spitfires which were completely unarmed, instead utilising speed and altitude to avoid being intercepted over enemy territory. The wartime motto adopted by the RAF’s units flying these aircraft was ‘alone, unarmed and unafraid’. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon 65, the PR.XIX entered service in 1944 and continued to operate until 1957. The Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight operate Spitfire PR.XIX PS853, one of the final three Spitfires to be retired from the RAF and display the aircraft around the UK during the summer.

As part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme, the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight will be sending their Spitfire PS853 to take part in our flying display at RIAT25. In a unique pairs demonstration, this Griffon-powered Spitfire will be joined by the Merlin-powered Spitfire PL983 owned by the Aircraft Restoration Company marking the evolution of the photo-reconnaissance Spitfire during the Second World War.

Photo Credit: Duncan Chase