Great pilot training manual for the famous SPITFIRE fighter aircraft, dated 1946, but deals with all WW2 models, as the latter models were introduced from 1942 onwards. Significant discoloration/wear/soiling to the back and first page, especially on the edges. The cover kept the inside booklet in good condition - for some reason, the book was never bound/stapled (see photo's, but all complete), but certainly used given the patina. However, still a great item. Great cover and illustrations, interestng item for the WW2 Airforce enthusiast! History of the Supermarine Spitfire The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, from the Mk 1 to the Rolls-Royce Griffon-engined Mk 24 using several wing configurations and guns. It was the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire remains popular among enthusiasts; around 70 remain airworthy, and many more are static exhibits in aviation museums throughout the world. The British Supermarine Spitfire was facing several challenges by mid-1942. The debut of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in late 1941 had caused problems for RAF fighter squadrons flying the latest Spitfire Mk Vb.[2] Rolls-Royce engineers were already working on a new version of the Merlin incorporating a two-stage supercharger; the combination of the improved Merlin and the Spitfire Mk Vc airframe in a "stop-gap" design allowed the RAF to combat the Fw 190 on equal terms. In a second stream of development Supermarine was working on an improved, reinforced, Spitfire airframe which incorporated several new features and was designed for the Merlin 60 and 70 series engines.[3] This new airframe later formed the basis for the Rolls-Royce Griffon powered Spitfires.