Cockpit controls of a Spitfire fighter (T610/0353) Magnet

Cockpit controls of a British Spitfire fighter plane. The main controller is the joystick (centre left to bottom centre), which controls the direction of the aircraft in flight. The numerous dials show information such as angle, heading, altitude, fuel supply and oxygen supply. The Spitfire, designed by R. J. Mitchell for the Supermarine company, entered service in 1939, at the start of World War II. Over 20,000 were built before production was ceased in 1948. The Spitfire, along with the Hawker Hurricane, played a major role in maintaining British air superiority during WWII.