Issue three of Aviation Classics focuses on that most quintessential of British fighters, the Supermarine Spitfire.

As legendary wartime fighter ace Sir Douglas Bader said about it in his book Fight for the Sky: "I have often wondered who the genius was who christened it Spitfire. It was a name that resounded round the free world in those dark days of Hitler's tyranny, and perfectly symbolized the mood of Britain's defence."

Numerous aspects of the iconic fighter's story are depicted, including: the Supermarine racing floatplanes for which monoplane technology was advanced; the very first example of the breed; the type's arrival into RAF service; combat in the Battle of Britain; fighter sweeps to occupied France; its conversion to the photo reconnaissance role and for Naval operations; and even its part in the formation of the RAF's commemorative unit.

But of course, the story of any aeroplane is not complete without looking at the people involved. RJ Mitchell, Douglas Bader, 'Johnnie' Johnson, Alex Henshaw, Geoffrey Wellum, Al Deere and 'Sailor' Malan all feature in this issue offering a cross-section of personalities and influences.

Presented in the popular Aviation Classics style, with articles written by well-known and established aviation authors and historians, and lavishly illustrated with historic wartime photographs along with stunning contemporary air-to-air images.