AssetID: 55607979
Headline: Chocks away! Replica of first ever Spitfire begins 90th anniversary tour
Caption: BY MARK WORGAN A restored Supermarine Spitfire has begun a tour of Britain celebrating the beloved World War II plane’s 90th anniversary. The Spitfire90 project celebrates 90 years since the aircraft’s first flight on 5 March 1936 at Eastleigh Aerodrome near Southampton. The aircraft, a two-seat TR9 operated by Spitfires.com, has been painted in the same pale blue colour scheme and carries the same serial number - K5054 - as the original prototype. The modern-day K5054 began its journey from Southampton Airport, retracing the site of the original maiden flight, before flying to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on the first leg of the tour. Over nine stages, due to conclude on Friday 17 April, the aircraft is flying around mainland Britain in formation with a range of RAF aircraft, past and present. Passengers are taking turns in the second seat, with each flight auctioned to raise funds for the Mark Long Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund. The opening leg saw the Spitfire fly alongside another Spitfire and a C-47 Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), as well as two F-35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron. On the second leg, from RAF Coningsby to Leuchars Station, the aircraft flew in formation with two Red Arrows Hawk T1s and a Phenom T1. The third leg, from Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth, included a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The nine auctioned flights have raised £120,721 for the two charities. The Mark Long Trust is named after Squadron Leader Mark Long, a BBMF pilot who died in May 2024 when the Spitfire he was flying crashed near RAF Coningsby. The trust supports disabled people by offering flying experiences aimed at building confidence. The RAF Benevolent Fund provides assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families. As well as giving passengers a rare flying experience, the tour has drawn interest from aviation enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the historic aircraft and its escorts. However, organisers have warned that flight paths may change due to weather and operational requirements, making it difficult to track the aircraft precisely.
Keywords: RAF,Royal Air Force,spitfire,dakota,bbmf,battle of britain,veteran,f35
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