The Supermarine Spitfire remains one of the most iconic fighter aircraft ever built, and the United Kingdom is home to the largest number of surviving airworthy examples anywhere in the world. From early Battle of Britain veterans to later Merlin-powered variants, these aircraft continue to fly on the UK display circuit, preserving living aviation history.

This page provides a comprehensive, mark-by-mark reference to airworthy Spitfires currently based in the UK. Each section is organised by Spitfire mark and includes individual aircraft details such as serial numbers, registrations, operators, and current airworthy status. Where photographs are available, they are shown alongside each aircraft; where they are not, aircraft are still listed to ensure historical completeness.

Airworthy status can change due to maintenance schedules, restoration work, or overseas operations. The listings presented here reflect aircraft generally accepted as UK-based and maintained in flying condition, rather than a fixed or permanent status.

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, researcher, photographer, or airshow attendee, this page is designed to act as a clear and reliable reference to the UK’s flying Spitfire population.

Spitfire Mk I – The Original Thoroughbred

The Spitfire Mk I was the first production variant of the iconic fighter, entering RAF service in 1938. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine and armed with eight .303 Browning machine guns, it became a symbol of British resistance during the Battle of Britain. Its elliptical wings and superb handling made it a pilot’s favourite and its performance helped secure air superiority over the Luftwaffe in 1940. The Mk I laid the foundation for all subsequent Spitfire development.

Spitfire Mk II – Merlin XII & Shadow Factory Power

Introduced in 1940, the Mk II featured the more powerful Merlin XII engine, delivering 1,150 hp. It was the first Spitfire variant produced at Castle Bromwich under the shadow factory scheme, which ensured continued production after the Supermarine works in Southampton were bombed. With improved propeller options and minor refinements, the Mk II continued the fight through the latter stages of the Battle of Britain and into 1941, maintaining the RAF’s edge in the air.

Spitfire Mk V – The Workhorse of 1941–42

The Mk V became the most-produced Spitfire variant, with over 6,500 built. It introduced the Merlin 45 engine and cannon armament, making it more effective against increasingly well-armoured enemy aircraft. Subtypes included the Va (machine guns), Vb (cannon and MG), and Vc (universal wing). The Mk V served across multiple theatres — from the UK to Malta, North Africa, and the Pacific — and was the backbone of RAF Fighter Command during the critical middle years of the war. Subtypes included the Va (machine guns only), Vb (cannon + MG), and Vc (universal wing allowing multiple armament configurations).

Spitfire Mk IX – The Stopgap That Became a Legend

Originally developed as a stopgap to counter the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Mk IX proved so successful it became the most widely used Spitfire variant. It featured the two-stage supercharged Merlin 61, 63, or 66 engines, dramatically improving high-altitude performance. With subtypes tailored for low (LF), high (HF), and standard altitude roles, the Mk IX served from 1942 through the end of the war, excelling in both air superiority and ground attack missions.

Spitfire Mk XI – Unarmed Eyes of the RAF

The Mk XI was a photo-reconnaissance variant based on the Mk IX airframe, stripped of armament to reduce weight and increase range. Equipped with long-range fuel tanks and a deeper nose, it operated at high altitudes and was painted in PRU blue for camouflage. These aircraft provided vital intelligence before and after major operations, including post-raid assessments like the Dambusters mission. Their speed and altitude made them difficult for enemy fighters to intercept.

 Spitfire Mk XIV – Griffon Power Arrives

The Mk XIV marked a major leap in performance with the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 engine, producing over 2,000 hp. Designed to counter the Fw 190 and later the V-1 flying bomb, it featured clipped wings, a five-blade propeller, and a bubble canopy. The Mk XIV was the fastest wartime Spitfire fighter and saw extensive service in the final years of the war, including operations over Europe and in the Far East.

Spitfire Mk XVI – Packard Merlin & Bubble Canopy

The Mk XVI was essentially a Mk IX fitted with the American-built Packard Merlin 266 engine. Designed for low-level fighter-bomber roles, it featured clipped wings and a bubble canopy for improved visibility. Widely used by the 2nd Tactical Air Force in the final stages of the war, the Mk XVI was a versatile and rugged platform, capable of carrying bombs and operating from forward airfields in support of ground troops.

Spitfire Mk XVIII – Final Wartime Evolution

The Mk XVIII was the last wartime fighter variant of the Spitfire, based on the Mk XIV but with extended range and improved systems. Powered by the Griffon 65 or 67 engine, it featured a bubble canopy, “e” wing armament, and enhanced fuel capacity. Used primarily in post-war operations in Palestine and Malaya, the Mk XVIII represented the pinnacle of piston-engine fighter development before the jet age took over.

Spitfire Mk XIX – Fastest of Them All

The Mk XIX was the final photo-reconnaissance variant of the Spitfire, combining the powerful Griffon 66 engine with a pressurised cockpit and extended range. Capable of speeds up to 460 mph and ranges over 1,500 miles, it was the fastest Spitfire ever built. These aircraft operated into the 1950s, with the last RAF Spitfire sortie flown in 1954. Their sleek lines and high-altitude capabilities made them ideal for Cold War-era intelligence gathering.