Shuttleworth Spitfire Vc Restoration Reaches Milestone With First Engine Test [Video]

Earlier today, the Shuttleworth Collection’s Spitfire Vc performed its first engine test since restoration of the machine began nearly a decade ago.

The aircraft (AR501/G-AWII) 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”, and while there is still much to do, today’s engine run marks a major milestone in the effort to return the historic machine to the skies.

Click below to check out a video of the test.

Spitfire comes alive Today at around 15.00 The #shuttleworthcollection's #spitfire fired up for the first time since restoration began! Posted by The Shuttleworth Collection on Tuesday, April 25, 2017



(via Shuttleworth Collection Additional Information via ITV and Warbird Registry)