On 5 March 1936 the prototype Spitfire made its maiden flight. Its creator R.J. Mitchell would not live to see its finest hour.

On this day in aviation history, March 5, 1936, the legendary Supermarine Spitfire took to the skies for the first time. The ...

An air of satisfaction resonates between the smiles of the men as they reflect on the successes of that day, which culminated with the triumphant maiden flight of a new prototype fighter plane ...