The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-seat fighter plane that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. The Spitfire was designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor and was first produced in 1936. It was built continuously throughout the war and numerous modifications and improvements were made to the design during this time. Production of the Spitfire ended in 1948.