A Hawker Hurricane Mk. XIIa (left) and a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Ia re-enact the Battle of Britain during a Duxford Airshow. The RAF fighters made good teammates—except during their first wartime encounter. Antony Nettle/Alamy

The Spitfire and Hurricane are two of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War. Both played a vital role in the Battle of Britain, but it is the Spitfire that is remembered more fondly by the public. This article will look at the history of the Spitfire and explain why it is more famous than the Hurricane.

History of the Spitfire

The Spitfire was designed by R.J. Mitchell and first flew in 1936. It was the first British fighter to be powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin engine, and its performance and manoeuvrability made it an ideal aircraft for the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire had a top speed of 370 miles per hour and could climb to 30,000 feet in just two minutes.

The Spitfire was also used in other theatres of war, including the Battle of France, the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of El Alamein. The aircraft also saw action in the Far East, and was even used in the Korean War.

Popularity of the Spitfire

The Spitfire’s popularity can be attributed to its iconic shape and the fact that it was used in some of the most important battles of the Second World War. The aircraft was also the subject of several films and books, and its distinctive shape was used on many posters and propaganda films.

The Spitfire also had a more glamorous image than the Hurricane, which was seen as the workhorse of the RAF. The Spitfire was also seen as a symbol of freedom and defiance in the face of the Nazi threat.

The Spitfire is one of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War. Its performance, manoeuvrability and iconic shape made it an ideal aircraft for the Battle of Britain, and its popularity is due to its association with some of the most important battles of the war and its glamorous image. The Spitfire will always be remembered as one of the most iconic aircraft of the war.