Exploring the prototypes of the iconic Spitfire and the gripping Supermarine search for speed in the skies 'Building The Supermarine Spitfire' presents an illuminating history of the design and development of one of the Second World War's most remarkable fighter aircraft. The unique sleek design of the Spitfire was truly a thing of aerodynamic beauty, forged with one matter in mind – speed. From unprecedented achievements in winning and setting new world speed records in the great Schneider Trophy Races of the late 1920s and early 1930s to being rolled out for eventual aerial combat in one of the world's most tumultuous and destructive conflicts, the Supermarine Spitfire served as a 'game changer' in the struggle to master the skies. Here Mark Chambers uses many unpublished illustrations to explore the history of this iconic aircraft. AUTHOR: Mark Chambers works as a contractor for the NASA Langley Research Center and has won numerous awards for his NASA work. He has previously written From Research to Relevance: Achievements in Aeronautics Research at the NASA Langley Research Center, 1917–2002, Engineering Test Pilot: The Exceptional Career of John P. "Jack" Reeder, and Flight Research at NASA Langley Research Center, as well as articles for Aviation Magazine. He lives in Virginia USA. SELLING POINTS: . With a multitude of previously unpublished photos as well as diagrams and technical information on the aircraft's development . Featuring unpublished images of the Supermarine Schneider Trophy racers and Supermarine aircraft factories, among many others . Timed for the 80th anniversary of the first flight, on 5 March 1936 . Includes striking 210 b/w 20 colour illustrations