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Description of  Merlin-Powered Spitfires (Warbird Tech Series 35)

The threnody of sound builds to a minor cresendo as the speck seen in the distance grows in size. As the small shape begins to grow the slender shape becomes more defined. The growl­ing whine reaches a peak as the air­craft we have been watching becomes more defined. A quick flick of the ailerons and the elliptical wing shape is revealed before the sound fades on the wind and the fighter is gone. Go to any airshow and amongst the warbird fraternity there will be air­frames powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Some will be Mus­tangs, possibly a Lancaster, even a Hawker Hurricane or two, however it is highly likely that the carrier of the engine will be a Supermarine Spitfire. Each type has its own par­ticular soundwave, and that of the Spitfire is not only distinctive but a source of great pleasure to its many fans. It is also the fighter that charac­terised the British effort in the Sec­ond World War (although fans of the Hawker Hurricane will no doubt disagree.) The Supermarine Spitfire is today seen as one of the greatest fighter aircraft ever.