The first flight of the eagerly anticipated commemorative Spitfire90 tour has efficiently landed at RAF Coningsby. The 9 flights have been organised to have a good time 90 years because the Supermarine Spitfire’s maiden flight.
Departing from Southampton International Airport earlier as we speak, the very website the place Captain Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers piloted the unique Spitfire prototype K5054 on fifth March 1936, the specifically painted two-seat Spitfire, replicating the unique K5054, was escorted by the Dakota and Spitfire AB910 belonging to the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) because it made its strategy to RAF Coningsby, the house of the BBMF. During the flight, “K5054” was additionally joined within the neighborhood of RAF Marham by two F35 Lightning II plane.
This milestone occasion honours the Spitfire’s enduring legacy as a logo of British resilience and innovation, notably its pivotal function throughout the Second World War and the Battle of Britain. The tour will proceed throughout Great Britain, visiting historic RAF areas linked to the Spitfire’s storied previous, with fashionable RAF plane becoming a member of the flights to showcase the evolution of British air energy.
The Spitfire90 tour is a collaboration between the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Spitfires.com, who supply members of the general public the distinctive alternative to expertise flights in genuine two-seat Spitfires in addition to offering important Spitfire Simulator coaching used yearly by the BBMF. The occasion additionally helps two charities: the Mark Long Trust, which empowers disabled people by way of aviation alternatives, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, offering lifelong assist to serving and former RAF personnel and their households. Through the public sale managed by Spitfires.com, over £100,000 has been raised and will probably be break up between the 2 chosen charities.
A BBMF Spokesperson mentioned: “Today’s flight and landing here at RAF Coningsby is a proud and memorable moment for all involved. The Spitfire remains an enduring symbol of courage and engineering excellence, and this tour allows us to celebrate its remarkable history while inspiring future generations.”
The Spitfire90 tour will proceed with flights to Leuchars Air Field, RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick, RAF Valley, MOD St Athan, RAF St Mawgan (Newquay), Exeter, and lastly again to Southampton, finishing roughly 15 flying hours over 9 days.
