High Summer

Price range: £95.00 through £140.00

On the 9th September 1940, Number 92 Squadron was thrown into the Battle of Britain. They had fought bravely during the evacuation from Dunkirk, and after a spell on convoy patrol, they were thrust into the desperate climax of the greatest air battle in history.

Flying Spitfires from Biggin Hill, they immediately went into action attacking massive Luftwaffe bomber formations and their escorting Me109s. Southern England was under severe threat, but 92 Squadron’s impact was immediate: during the next four months, its young pilots brought down no fewer than 127 enemy aircraft.

Available both individually or as a pair with HOMEWARD BOUND as part of The Battle of Britain Portfolio, this superb piece portrays Spitfires from 92 Squadron as they successfully engage Me109’s over the harvested fields of southern England, in August 1940. The desperate action of aerial combat is beautifully captured in this compelling and accurate reconstruction of a famous fighter squadron at war.

The Signatures
Each print in all of the editions has been hand numbered and signed by the artists along with two distinguished Battle of Britain veterans:

  • Flight Lieutenant Robin Appleford
  • Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gray

Description

The Supermarine Spitfire: Britain’s Definitive Fighter

The Supermarine Spitfire stands as the most iconic British single-seat fighter in history. The Royal Air Force and many Allied nations operated this legendary aircraft before, during, and after World War II. This high-quality limited edition print captures the graceful lines of the only British fighter in continuous production throughout the war. Indeed, the Spitfire remains a favorite among aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Today, around 70 airframes remain airworthy, while many others serve as static exhibits in museums.

A Limited Edition Print of R.J. Mitchell’s Design

Chief designer R. J. Mitchell designed the Spitfire as a high-performance, short-range interceptor. Specifically, he developed the aircraft’s distinctive elliptical wing to achieve the thinnest possible cross-section. This innovative design used sunken rivets to reduce drag and increase top speed. Consequently, the Spitfire outperformed many contemporary fighters, including the Hawker Hurricane. Mitchell refined the design until his death in 1937. His colleague, Joseph Smith, then took over as chief designer to oversee future variants. This limited edition print honors the engineering genius behind Britain’s most famous wings.

From Merlin to Griffon: Evolution of Power

Joseph Smith managed the Spitfire’s development from the early Mk 1 to the final Mk 24. The original airframe used a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp. However, the design proved strong enough to handle much larger powerplants. Later marks utilized Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,340 hp. This adaptability allowed the Spitfire to remain competitive throughout its entire service life. If you want to own a tribute to this evolving masterpiece, explore our Supermarine Spitfire limited edition print collection.

The Battle of Britain and Beyond

During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the Spitfire captured the public’s imagination. While the Hurricane flew more sorties, the Spitfire often engaged the Messerschmitt Bf 109E. Furthermore, Spitfire units achieved a higher victory-to-loss ratio due to their superior performance. Following the battle, the Spitfire became the principal aircraft of RAF Fighter Command. Pilots flew the jet in the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theatres. You can support the legacy of this aircraft through the National Spitfire Project. This project highlights the importance of the Spitfire as a symbol of national resilience and engineering excellence.

Why Own a Spitfire Limited Edition Print?

A limited edition print serves as a permanent record of the most famous aircraft in the world. Finally, these digital assets provide a detailed look at the aircraft that defended British skies. Indeed, no military collection is complete without a tribute to this elliptical-wing giant. Therefore, this print makes an essential addition to any home or office gallery.

Additional information

Dimensions 67.31 × 50.16 cm
Print Type

Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof

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