An Elegant Gunship

When Supermarine Aviation Works was tasked in 1931 with building a new gunship that could fly 250mph, designer Reginald Mitchell could never have imagined that his creation would go down in history as the Royal Air Force fighter. With its elliptical wing and sleek lines, many argue that the Spitfire is also the most beautiful fighter, and who are we to disagree? That’s why this issue features a guide to our favorite Spitfires, from giant-scale gas burners to foam park fliers—and even one you can build from scratch. If you’re hankering for a new warbird, you’ll find exactly what you need in “Spectacular Spitfires.”