What was the most successful British fighter plane of WW2?

What was the most successful British fighter plane of WW2?

Supermarine Spitfire The Spitfire heralded victories in almost all major campaigns, including Normandy, Battle of Britain, South Africa, Italy, Malta, and the Far East. The Spitfire was the quintessential British fighter during World War II, its renown effectuated by its versatility and reliability.

Which aircraft won the Battle of Britain?

Hawker Hurricane
Those who have previously studied the Battle of Britain have most often come the conclusion that, although the Spitfire was an integral part to the Royal Air Force’s defense of Britain, it was ultimately the workhorse Hawker Hurricane that won the battle.

How many planes did the RAF lose in the Battle of Britain?

The Royal Air Force (RAF) lost 1250 aircraft, including 1017 fighters. In all, 520 men were killed serving with Fighter Command.

Which aircraft were vital to the success of the Battle of Britain?

The pilots of RAF Fighter Command, flying iconic aircraft including the Hurricane and Spitfire, were supported by a vast network of ground crew during the battle.

Was the Spitfire better than the Messerschmitt?

The Bf 109, in its initial avatars, was generally regarded as marginally superior to contemporaneous variants of the Spitfire. At low to medium altitudes, where much of the air combat in the early war occurred, the Bf 109 had the upper hand. However, the Spitfire was superior at higher altitudes.

Which was better Hurricane or Spitfire?

The Spitfire and Bf 109E were well-matched in speed and agility, and both were somewhat faster than the Hurricane. However, the slightly larger Hurricane was regarded as an easier aircraft to fly and was effective against Luftwaffe bombers.

Was the Spitfire better than 109?

The Bf 109 was arguably the best fighter in the world in 1940. It was faster than the Spitfire at high altitude, could dive more rapidly and carried a more effective armament of two cannon and two machine guns.

Which was the better plane Hurricane or Spitfire?

Could the Luftwaffe have won the Battle of Britain?

Hitler’s air force could have won a pivotal World War II battle if it had attacked earlier and changed tactics, a study says. Between May and October 1940, the German Luftwaffe fought British-led fighter pilots – including Australians – over the skies of southern England in the Battle of Britain.

How many Spitfires were shot down?

Just 21 of the 152 Spitfires that were destroyed or damaged from all causes from 1–30 June 1944 were shot down by German fighters.

What plane shot down most in ww2?

It is accurate to state that the P-38 did shoot down more Japanese aircraft than any other USAAF plane with 1,857, with the P-40 running a close second at 1,633.5. Even though the F6F did not start reaching Naval and Marine units in the Pacific until late 1943, once it did it came in prodigious numbers.

Which is better Bf 109 or Spitfire?