Inside the Archie #4 | The Spitfire

The all-metal, single-seat Spitfire – with its iconic, elliptical wing – became a symbol of Allied defiance during the Battle of Britain. Technically though, its success was due to its exceptional manoeuvrability at altitudes above 15,000 feet, allowing it to gain the upper hand against the German’s also-outstanding Messerschmitt BF 109. 

Altogether, 20,351 were built in 40 major variants, of which 656 were delivered to the RAAF.