Spitfire Restoration

£800,000 and a decade later, one of the last of the Spitfires has taken to the skies over Lincolnshire.

In facts: The Spitfire

Following the recent restoration of one of the last Spitfires, here's a few facts about the war fighting plane:

  • The Spitfire's maiden flight was on March 5th 1936.
  • It first entered RAF service in 1938.
  • It finished RAF service in 1955.
  • During its RAF service, 20,351 Spitfires were built.
  • 'Snipe' and 'Shrew' were other potential names for the Spitfire.
  • By 1939, about 10% of all Spitfires had been lost in training accidents.
  • The distinctive roof bulge in the cockpit was to allow for taller pilots.

Facts courtesy of the History Learning Site.

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Spitfire takes to the sky 60 years on

The restored Spitfire Credit: ITV Calendar

After more than a decade's worth of restoration at a cost of around £800,000, one of the last of the Spitfires has taken to the skies over Lincolnshire for its first flight in almost 60 years.

The Spitfire flying high in the sky Credit: ITV Calendar

As from next year, the restored Spitfire will be used in displays as part of the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.