The British Spitfire That Almost Broke The Sound Barrier

The Almost Supersonic Spitfire

During WWII, the Royal Air Force (RAF) wanted to see what would happen to a plane if it ever got closer to the sound barrier. Thus, they got the Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XI and flew it to find out, and it almost went supersonic.

Eventually, these high-speed test flights would let designers gradually evolve their aerodynamics and eventually broke the sound barrier in 1947. These tests were eventually key in building today’s supersonic aircraft.

Personally, whether it really reached that speed or not, what’s more impressive is the bravery that these men showed during these trials, considering the limited technology they have in those days. It was truly something. And what a truly awesome aircraft the Spitfire was!

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