The Shuttleworth Collection’s Spitfire Mk VC (AR501) performed its first post-restoration flight earlier today with pilot Stu Goldspink at the controls.
As previously reported, the aircraft was originally built by Westland Aircraft at Yeovil and was issued to No. 310 (Czech) Squadron in 1942, where it escorted USAAF B-17 and B-24 bombers. Later, it would serve with RAF’s Central Gunnery School before finding use as an instructional airframe at Loughborough College. AR501 was acquired by the Shuttleworth Collection in 1961 and restored to airworthy condition for the 1968 film The Battle of Britain. It entered the shop once again in 1973 for restoration to its authentic wartime condition, eventually returning to flight in in 1975. The most recent work was initially expected to last only 18 months, but eventually expanded into an extensive overhaul that has seen the aircraft completely dismantled and rebuilt. The result is said to be “95% original.”
Today’s test was described as “very successful.” The machine is scheduled to debut at Shuttleworth’s season premier airshow on May 6.
Click below to check out a video of today’s flight.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC post restoration flight.
The Collection’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC made its first post restoration flight this afternoon at 15:47, with Stu Goldspink at the controls.
The Spitfire is will make its debut display at our Season Premiere airshow on Sunday 6 May!
Posted by The Shuttleworth Collection on Tuesday, March 20, 2018
(via The Shuttleworth Collection Photo: Alan Wilson via Wikimedia Commons)
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