Tag: 2026

90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire celebrated this summer at
Shuttleworth – Goal to have one of every airworthy mark of Spitfire currently in the UK at Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show

Old Warden, 5 March 2026 – Thursday 5 March 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, an aviation milestone that introduced one of the most influential fighter designs of WWII. To honour this extraordinary aircraft, Shuttleworth aims to assemble one example of every airworthy Spitfire mark currently in the UK at its Summer Air Show on Saturday 25 July 2026.

With its advanced aerodynamic design, elliptical wing, and exceptional performance
envelope, the Spitfire gave the RAF a critical edge against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. On D-Day, the Spitfire played a pivotal role in securing Allied air superiority, providing essential fighter cover and helping ensure the success of the invasion that marked the beginning of Europe’s liberation from Nazi control. Throughout the war, the engineering of the Spitfire evolved to make it an even more powerful fighter, resulting in 24 marks being produced.

WWII veteran aircraft flying at Shuttleworth

Many of the exact Spitfires confirmed to be flying at Shuttleworth this summer saw real action in WWII, including:

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia N3200 was shot down during the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940 and had to ditch on Sangatte beach. It was recovered in 1986 and a restoration to airworthiness began in 2012 with the first post-restoration flight being in 2014. It is one of only five Mark Is still flying today.

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc AR501 was issued to both No 310 and No 312 (Czech) Squadrons during its active service and even escorted the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘Memphis Belle’. This aircraft is part of Shuttleworth’s permanent collection.

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc MK912 served with No 312 (Czech) Squadron and was heavily involved in missions during the build-up and aftermath of the Normandy landings. Post WWII, it served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

 • Both Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI PL983 and Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX PS853 in their distinctive PRU blue colours were used for photo reconnaissance, taking images behind enemy lines.

• Supermarine Seafire XVII SX336 was the naval equivalent of the Spitfire and is believed to have served with No 833 Naval Air Squadron.

The heroes behind the Spitfire’s success

The success of the Spitfire would not have been possible without its designer and test pilots. To celebrate the Spitfire’s designer, RJ Mitchell, Shuttleworth will be flying its de Havilland DH.60X which is the same model which Mitchell flew in to understand how f lying works.

Test pilot Alex Henshaw was known for his record-breaking flights pre-war and flight tested approximately 10% of all Spitfires and Seafires ever built. Shuttleworth owns the exact Percival Mew Gull which Henshaw broke the London to Cape Town record in, so will be flying this aircraft amongst other types he flew in his memory at this display.

James Butt, Air Displays and Aviation Coordinator at Shuttleworth, commented: “Ninety years ago, the Spitfire took to the air for the first time before becoming influential in the course of WWII. Its design and performance were exceptional for its time and remain impressive even today. The fact that visitors are still excited to see and hear a Spitfire flying at our air shows is a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy, and we’re proud to help preserve this history for future generations.”

For more details on Shuttleworth’s air shows and how to book, visit: https://www.shuttleworth.org/events

All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.