The latest aircraft to emerge from the workshop of Historic Flying Ltd (HFL) at Duxford, is Spitfire PRXI PL983/G-PRXI. It wears the wartime Photo reconnaissance Blue livery of its time serving in Europe with 4 squadron before it later passed to 2 squadron in post-war occupied Germany. A rebuild to flying condition has been ongoing for a number of years at Duxford with the fuselage being reconstructed at Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight. Wings are currently under construction at HFL and the correct to type Rolls Royce Merlin 70 has been obtained and overhauled. A correct wrap around clear view windscreen has been fitted to replace the incorrect fighter type assembly latterly fitted. Following the pioneering fitment of a mock camera installation on the Rolls Royce Spitfire PS853, HFL have incorporated the same lens assembly fitment into the side camera hatch on PL983.
This aircraft went on to become the well known 'Thank U NHS' Spitfire.
Battle of Britain Airshow at Imperial War Museums Duxford.
Photographed Saturday 18th September 2021.
