The Spitfire Mk 1 and Mk 2 and Hurricane Mk 1 shown above were the two main R.A.F fighter types of aircraft used in 1940 during the Battle of Britain. The depth of British strength in 1940 was shown by the many tactical advantages Britain enjoyed. The Royal Navy, for instance, was capable of dominating the English Channel and would fall with fury upon any invaders attempting to cross it. The R.A.F. was equipped with a fast, manouverable fighter in the Spitfire. The Luftwaffe's best aircraft, the Me 109, could operate for no more than 30 minutes over Southern England. German chances of success hinged on whether or not they could break the R.A.F. and sieze superiority in the air but the R.A.F. were determined they should not. On the 10th July 1940 the Battle of Britain began and was soon to become one of the greatest legends of air warfare.