Showing 1 to 6 of 6 search results

Sopwith Triplane

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1917-1937, London, Hangar Two, 74/A/19

The Triplane was a highly manoeuvrable single-seat scout with phenomenal rates of climb and roll. The arrival of the Triplane on the Western Front in early 1917 made such an impression on the Germans that they asked their manufacturers to produce triplane fighters, leading to the Fokker Dr1 of 'Red Baron' fame.

Triplane with grey body and wings and wooden struts, © RAF Museum / RAF Museum

Gloster Gladiator Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, AUG 1937-MAR 1948, Cosford, Hangar Two, 74/A/17

The Gloster Gladiator was the RAF's last biplane fighter and the first to feature an enclosed cockpit for the pilot. Deliveries began in 1937, with Gladiators continuing to serve in the early years of the Second World War.

Biplane with propeller and silver body and wings, © RAF Museum

Fiat CR 42 Falco

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1943, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/952

Designed by Celestino Rosatelli, the Italian Fiat CR 42 was the last single-seat biplane fighter to be manufactured by any Second World War combatant. CR 42s took part in the invasion of Southern France and later fought against the RAF in the Battle of Britain.

Biplane with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Messerschmitt Bf 109E

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1943, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/624

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's principal fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain. It could outclimb and outgun the RAF's Hurricanes and Spitfires. However, its limited range allowed pilots only 20 minutes flying time during raids over south-east England.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and yellow nose and grey body, © RAF Museum

Supermarine Spitfire Mark Ia

Aircraft & Exhibits, SEP 1940-FEB 1944, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/872

More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire has become a much-loved symbol of winning against the odds. Designed by RJ Mitchell, its speed, agility and firepower made it one of the RAF's leading fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Kawasaki Ki-100 1b

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1945, London, Hangar Five, 85/A/68

The Kawasaki Ki-100 1b was one of the finest Japanese fighters of the Second World War, but was not introduced until 1945.

Side view of Kawasaki Ki-1001b on a white background, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan