The Spitfire is probably the best loved and admired British aeroplane. It is also revered around the world. This book looks at the later marks that were modified for various special tasks and differed to a large degree from the first versions that saw action in the early days of World War II. New and more powerful Rolls-Royce engines replaced the well-tried Merlin and increased the Spitfires performance in terms of speed and operational altitude. Subtle changes to wing design also increased the manoeuvability and capability of these spectacular models that survived in its operational role until superseded by the introduction of jet-powered flight. The content explains details, development and flight testing of 12 models and also contains operational roles and history. Lengthy appendices include Griffon-powered Spitfire aces, VI rocket destruction aces and Griffon-powered Spitfire losses.