A legendary Spitfire is about to cross over components of Somerset today (Thursday, April sixteenth) as it takes to the skies for a particular nationwide flight marking the 90th anniversary of the plane’s first-ever flight.
The iconic plane is scheduled to depart MOD St Athan at 10am earlier than flying over Cardiff and Bristol, then sweeping south throughout Somerset on its means to Newquay.
The route – proven right here – and the timings stay topic to climate situations.
During today’s commemorative leg, the historic Spitfire K5054 will fly in formation for an prolonged interval with two QinetiQ Pilatus PC-21 trainers, providing a uncommon sight for aviation fanatics. The full flight is predicted to final round one hour and 5 minutes.
Organisers say the anniversary tour celebrates the Spitfire’s enduring place in British historical past.
“This milestone event honours the Spitfire’s enduring legacy as a symbol of British resilience and innovation, particularly its pivotal role during the Second World War and the Battle of Britain,” a spokesperson stated.
The Spitfire90 tour will see the plane go to a number of historic RAF areas linked to its improvement and wartime service, with trendy RAF plane becoming a member of at numerous levels to spotlight the evolution of British air energy.
The collaboration between the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Spitfires.com additionally goals to elevate consciousness of the continuing work to protect and fly these iconic machines. Spitfires.com presents the general public the possibility to expertise flights in genuine two-seat Spitfires and gives simulator coaching used yearly by the BBMF.
Over 9 days, the Spitfire90 tour will cowl roughly 15 flying hours, taking in Leuchars Airfield, RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick, RAF Valley, MOD St Athan, RAF St Mawgan (Newquay), Exeter, and at last Southampton.
