RAF No.310 (Czech) Sqn, RAF Duxford, England, 1942
Limited Edition

The first Supermarine Spitfire flew on 5 March 1936, and it became an immediate success with early marks in the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was further developed and the Mark V emerged with an improved engine. The Shuttleworth Collection’s Mark Vc AR501 was built by Westland Aircraft at Yeovil and was issued to No.310 (Czech) Squadron at Duxford in 1942. AR501 is painted today in the markings it wore during this time. While serving with No.310 Squadron, AR501 escorted many USAAF B17 and B24 bombers. AR501 was later transferred to the RAF’s Central Gunnery School and was used post-war as an instructional airframe. It was transferred to The Shuttleworth Collection in 1961 and restored to flying condition for the film ‘The Battle of Britain’. After filming, it was again stored, until restoration to authentic wartime condition was carried out by a team at Duxford. Over the winter of 2000/2001 AR501 was repainted and elliptical wingtips were refitted, returning the aircraft to the condition in which it was delivered to 310 Squadron.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk V

Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force’s major actions.