This programme tells the story of the most famous of all British fighters, the legendary Spitfire.

This compelling documentary, illustrated with archive material and the use of dramatic colour film from the cinema feature 'Battle of Britain' will illustrate in a tellingly graphic manner, the lasting appeal and fascination that the Spitfire has maintained since it faced and fought off the fighter and bomber formations of the Luftwaffe.

This single seat fighter, designed to defend the nation against the threat of enemy bombers, went on to fight in every major theatre of war, flying aggressive fighter sweeps over occupied France, defending Malta from overwhelming aerial attack, fighting in the skies above North Africa and battling with the Luftwaffe's latest aircraft as the Allied armies advanced into Germany.

It was the only aircraft of its kind to remain in production from before the outbreak of war to beyond its end. Over 20,000 aircraft were built and the last of many types and variants saw combat in Korea in 1950.

R.J. Mitchell's  design for a 'killer fighter' encountered opposition and problems in its early days, but the Spitfire went on to earn itself the distinction of becoming the symbol of Britain's determination to defend itself.

'Spitfire' will celebrate the history and reputation of this acclaimed aircraft, the men who designed and built it and those who flew and fought in it.