The Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 (K9942) displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been presented with an ‘Engineering Heritage Award’ by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The award scheme, set up in 1984, “celebrates the contribution of mechanical engineering past and present, recognising artefacts, sites and landmarks of significant engineering importance”.

The Spitfire was recognised for its vital role in protecting the British nation and for its pioneering engineering.

RAF Museum Cosford curator Tom Hopkins said: “The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history.

"It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire that captured the imagination of the British public.”

Spitfires first went into service in August 1938 with No19 Squadron; by the outbreak of war a year later, nine squadrons were equipped. Production rapidly built up, and there were 19 Spitfire Mk 1 squadrons by July 1940. 

A total of 1,566 Spitfire Mk 1s were built and the aircraft on display at Cosford is the oldest surviving example of its type.It can be seen daily (from 10am) in the ‘War in the Air’ hangar. 

Entry to the museum is free; further details can be found at the Web site (www.rafmuseum.org/cosford).