Spitfire - Historien - IWM Duxford

 

Opens 27 December 2021 until 20 February 2022.

The Spitfire is the most famous fighter aircraft in British aviation history. But did you know that a 13-year-old schoolgirl played a significant role in its design? With its graceful curves, elliptical wings and distinctive engine sound, the Spitfire is a British icon. A status solidified since its heroic efforts in the Battle of Britain in 1940. More than any other aircraft, it captured the hearts of the home front and became synonymous with the hope and protection of the British Isles. Designed by Supermarine Chief Designer Reginald Mitchell, it was initially destined to be named the ‘Shrew’. Only after much discussion around a pub table was the iconic name the ‘Spitfire’ decided upon. Mitchell died at the age of 42, having only ever seen a prototype of the Spitfire fly. Development of the aircraft was taken over by his successor at Supermarine, Joe Smith. Between 1936 and 1948, over 20,000 Spitfires were produced. The design of the aircraft changed dramatically from the Mark I through to the F Mk -24. Some modifications gave the Spitfire more power. In its final incarnation, the aircraft could produce up to 2,375 horsepower, more than twice the output of its original design. Other alterations affected its manoeuvrability. The ‘clipped’ wings of the LF Mark V affected the aircraft’s ability to turn as tightly, but meant it could roll much quicker to evade German Focke-Wulf Fw 190s. However, one decision early in the Spitfire’s development may have been especially crucial to its success.

 

 

In 1934, the British Government took what some saw as an astonishing decision. The new fighter aircraft being developed would be armed with eight Browning machine guns, instead of four. They had been convinced by Captain Fred Hill, a Scientific Officer in the Air Ministry. He had argued that a larger number of guns would be necessary to bring down enemy aircraft moving at speed. Many believed that the extra guns would be too heavy for the Spitfire, affecting its speed and making it less manoeuvrable. To persuade the government that the extra guns were required, Fred enlisted the help of an unlikely assistant. His daughter Hazel, a 13-year-old schoolgirl from North London. A gifted mathematician, Hazel helped her father to complete the complex calculations he needed to make his case to the Air Ministry. Sat around a small kitchen table, the two worked long into the night analysing the results of the latest firing trials. Their calculations showed what Fred had long suspected. The new fighters would require eight guns, each capable of firing at least 1,000 rounds per minute, to destroy fast moving German aircraft.    In July 1934, Fred presented his findings at a meeting of the Air Ministry. Only his superior officer knew about Hazel's contribution to his work.  Had it not been for Fred’s persistence, the outcome of the Battle of Britain could have been very different. Had it not been for Hazel’s calculations, the legendary status of the Spitfire could have been far from assured. To discover more about the Spitfire's development, visit Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon at IWM Duxford. This brand-new exhibition brings together twelve Spitfires of varying marks, on display for a limited time only. IWM Duxford’s historic airfield was the base of the first RAF fighter squadron to receive the Spitfire in 1938. This historic exhibition brings these iconic aircraft ‘home’ this winter for your enjoyment. Opens 27 December 2021 until 20 February 2022.