A group of enthusiasts and engineers are planning to revive one of Britain's most iconic war aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire, nearly 90 years after its first flight. The new model, named the Aerolite Spitfire Type 433, has been developed using wartime plans but replaces the original aluminium structure with a composite material called Gordon Aerolite.
The prototype has been built for £750,000, significantly less than the £3 million needed to acquire a classic Spitfire. Only about a dozen of the original two-seater aircraft remain operational. The new composite material is weather resistant, eliminating the need for hangar storage.
After being unveiled in Bodmin, Cornwall, the new model will tour ten air shows and military and motor festivals this summer. The project's backers hope to get the model flying within two-and-a-half years.
Jeremy Meeson, chief executive of Great British Supermarine Ltd, said: 'The moment is right to reimagine the Supermarine Spitfire because today's materials, propulsion, and digital engineering finally let us evolve an icon without losing what made it exceptional.' He added that Aerolite anticipates brisk progress towards full production with significant interest from UK and international buyers and investors.
David Spencer Evans, former chairman of the Spitfire Society and the Spitfire Heritage Trust, said the project would 'continue the Spitfire story'. He noted that every red-blooded Brit has some affection for the Spitfire, but acknowledged that getting the prototype flying will be expensive and the team will gauge interest at air shows to attract investors.
