Author(s): Martin Robson

Aviation

Developed in 1938 from a Schneider trophy-winning design by the aeronautical engineer and designer R. J Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire went on to become the definitive Allied fighter of the Second World War, and ranks amongst the most famous aircraft of all time. Numerous manuals were produced for pilots and ground crew, dealing with all aspects of the Spitfire from engine specs to cockpit layout. This handbook collects together the most useful of these publications, reproducing them as they would have appeared when originally issued to officers of the RAF and other Allied air forces. It is split into key sections including a general history of Supermarine and the Spitfire type & variants, pilot's notes, flying instructions, emergencies and fighting tactics. The text is supplemented with illustrative plans, diagrams and photographs. Such information gives a real insight into the design and operation of this classic fighter, from day-to-day maintenance to dogfighting tactics. Published in an attractive and authentic wartime format, the "Spitfire Pocket Book" perhaps represents the closest thing to actually flying this exceptional aircraft.

About the author:
Martin Robson is a distinguished military, naval and maritime historian. He completed his PhD at King's College London, and is a former Caird Senior Research Fellow at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. His published work includes The Battle of Trafalgar and, with Malyn Newitt, Lord Beresford and British Intervention in Portugal, 1807-1820. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and journals. Martin currently lectures at the MoD Defence Academy.