The first genuine Supermarine Spitfire prototype flew on the 5th of March 1936, after previous Supermarine prototypes had failed to meet Air Ministry standards for a new fighter.

The first mass production Spitfire MK I's were delivered to squadron 19 in August 1938. From this aircraft 40 variants were derived, with upgrades of MK and various different configurations including, fighter, advanced trainer, photo reconnaissance, air sea rescue, and a version for the Fleet air arm.

The Spitfire MK1.A was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine putting out 1,030 horsepower at 16,250 feet giving the aircraft a maximum level speed of 362 mph at 18,500 feet.