Spitfire LF MH434 (G-ASJV). Owned and operated by The Old Flying Machine Company, based at Duxford, it first flew in 1943. Second World War
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force along with many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War and afterwards into the 1950s as both a front line fighter and also in secondary roles. The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other Allied fighter design, over 22,500, and was the only Allied fighter in production throughout the entire war. Many developing countries purchased Spitfires as industrial countries phased out propeller powered aircraft in favour of new jet-engined machines. As these nations started to update their air forces many Spitfires and other Second World War aircraft were sold on the open market to individuals or for scrap. The aircraft in Hong Kong serving with the UK Colonial wings are a good example of the differing means of disposal where they were simply bulldozed into the sea as part of the process to reclaim land from the water in order to lengthen the runway. Private collectors began to acquire Spitfire aircraft and a number went on to appear in movies and TV shows. These movie and TV appearances in turn helped to save a number of them from being scrapped. The Spitfire with probably the most movie and TV credits to her name is MH434 (pictured) She ended up in civilian ownership in the UK around 1956 and has since gone on to appear in many films and TV shows including The Longest Day (1962), The Battle of Britain (1969) , A Bridge Too Far (1977), and Piece of Cake (1988). Various companies and organisations have appeared who specialise in the restoration and operation of Spitfire and other Warbird aircraft to support the growing demand for such services. Fully restored airworthy Spitfire aircraft can command a high premium, the exact amount being dependent upon the individual 'provenance' of the airframe. Spitfire LF MH434 (G-ASJV). Owned and operated by The Old Flying Machine Company and based at Duxford, it was built at Castle Bromwich in 1943
Size: 6195px × 4134px
Location: Goodwood, West Sussex, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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