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Changed "same aircraft" to "exact same aircraft," clarifying the second speed test was conducted using the same plane, and not simply another Spitfire.
Tags: Reverted Mobile edit Mobile web edit
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Pilots during [[World War II]] sometimes claimed to have reached [[supersonic]] speeds in propeller-driven fighters during emergency dives, but these speeds are not included as FAI accepted records. They are also extremely unlikely, due to the complex aerodynamic problems of propeller driven aircraft approaching the speed of sound.
Also not formally accepted by the FAI, which was not present due to wartime conditions, are speeds recorded in a dive during high-speed tests with the [[Supermarine Spitfire]], including Squadron Leader J.R. Tobin's {{cvt|606|mph}} in a 45° dive in a Mark XI Spitfire (date unknown) and Squadron Leader Anthony F. Martindale's breaking {{cvt|620|mph}} (Mach 0.92) in the exact same aircraft in April 1944.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160505-the-spitfires-that-nearly-broke-the-sound-barrier ''The Spitfires That Nearly Broke The Sound Barrier'', BBC]</ref> It should however, be noted that while not FAI certified, the results from Martindale's flight are more than claims. The Royal Aircraft Establishment was a scientific body with the capability to record such events. Martindale's aircraft was fully instrumented with calibrated equipment and had an observation camera recording the flight instruments. Other recording instruments were also fitted. The aircraft lost its propeller and reduction gearbox and was substantially damaged during the test but Martindale managed to successfully land the aircraft, so the data could be recovered and post flight calculations verified the readings.<ref>Journal of Aeronautical History Draft 2 Paper No. 2016/03 The Aerodynamics of the Spitfire J. A. D. Ackroyd p 78</ref>
Flight Lieutenant [[Edward Powles]]' {{cvt|690|mph}} in Spitfire PR.XIX PS852 during an emergency dive while carrying out spying flights over China on 5 February 1952 is also discounted. This would otherwise be the highest speed ever recorded for a piston-engined aircraft.<ref>[http://planesandpilotsofww2.totalh.net/Gustin/spit1946.html?i=1 Spitfire Timeline]</ref>
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