App, app and away for Shropshire Spitfire team

But that is what a tech-savvy team of software engineers at a Shropshire firm has achieved with its latest project.

Bronze Software Labs was brought in by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to launch the official Spitfire Augmented Reality App, enabling users to project a 3D model of one of the planes onto their smartphone or tablet.

By pointing the device, with the £1.49 app downloaded, at a range of different currencies, viewers can explore and interact with the detailed 3D model of the plane, rotating it 360 degrees, starting the engine, firing machine guns and finding interactive features.

Bronze founder Richard Howells said: "The Spitfire is an icon of British history and this app uses cutting edge augmented reality techniques to bring it to life for aviation and app fans alike.

"There are other augmented reality apps out there but typically they require an internet connection, feature low quality models, offer limited interactivity and poor image tracking.

"The integrated camera view provides a seamless experience, but this isn't just a video game - it's about raising awareness of the RAF Benevolent Fund's vital work and we are absolutely delighted to help the RAF Benevolent Fund to become the first charity in the world to harness this AR technology."

The app also contains content including historic images of the Battle of Britain, video footage of the RAFBF appeal by Sir Winston Churchill, Spitfire facts and stats and exclusive audio from a Seond World War Spitfire pilot.

Users are being encouraged to take a screen grab of the Spitfire aircraft and share it via social media using the hashtag #SpitfireChallenge.

The RAF Benevolent Fund's controller, Air Marshal Christopher Nickols, added: "As the RAF's leading welfare charity we are always looking for new ways to engage and educate about our work and the sacrifice made by so many of our veterans.

"We hope this app helps to recognise the men and women who kept the Spitfire in the skies over Europe and defended this country during the Battle of Britain.

"By buying this app you'll be helping to support a generation of heroes who fought to maintain our way of life and their families."

A percentage of the proceeds raised will go to the RAFBF, the RAF's welfare charity.