Spitfire Mk.IX BS548 Returns to the Air at Duxford Ahead of Historic Move to Australia

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX BS548 has successfully returned to flight following a long and detailed restoration, completing its first post-restoration sorties at Duxford in the United Kingdom. The milestone marks a major step toward the aircraft’s future role as Australia’s first operational two-seat Spitfire.

The initial flight took place at approximately 14:30 local time and lasted about 13 minutes. The aircraft remained close to the airfield and was put through a series of basic handling evaluations, including stall checks and a slow roll. The sortie concluded with a flypast before the aircraft returned for a break to land.

After a post-flight inspection, additional fuel and oil were added, and the Spitfire was cleared for further flying. A second takeoff followed at approximately 15:30, roughly 90 minutes before last light. A third short sortie was also completed later in the afternoon. All flights were kept brief due to daylight limits, and no issues were reported during any of the sorties.

The aircraft was flown by experienced Spitfire pilot Martin Overall. Aviation historian and photographer Nigel Hitchman was present to witness and document the event, confirming that the flights proceeded smoothly and without incident.

Built in Britain for an Australian Future

The project is owned by Ross Pay of Vintage Fighter Restorations, based in Scone, New South Wales. The restoration has been carried out in the United Kingdom over an extended period. Initial construction work was completed by Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight, where the fuselage, tail, and wings were built.

The airframe was later transferred to the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford for final assembly and systems installation. Over the past several years, the project has progressed steadily, bringing the aircraft to flight-ready condition.

A Combat Veteran With Deep Wartime Roots

BS548 has an extensive World War II operational history. Originally built as a Spitfire Mk.V, the aircraft was quickly converted by Rolls-Royce at Hucknall to Mk.IX standard. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 61-series engine.

The aircraft first flew on 31 October 1942 and went on to serve with No. 340 Squadron, No. 402 Squadron, and later No. 341 Squadron. These units operated the type during some of the most demanding periods of the air war over Europe.

Two-Seat Conversion With Period Accuracy

The restoration includes a complete structural rebuild of the fuselage and the installation of a Grace style second cockpit. This configuration provides a lower profile and a more authentic appearance than earlier twin-bubble canopy conversions.

BS548 is being finished in the historically accurate markings worn while serving with No. 340 Squadron RAF at Biggin Hill in 1942. The two-seat conversion will allow passenger flights, making it the only opportunity in the Southern Hemisphere for the public to fly in an authentic World War II Spitfire once operations begin in Australia.

Test Program and Journey Home

Following its return to flight, BS548 will complete approximately five hours of test flying in the UK. The aircraft will then be dismantled and shipped to Australia, where it will be reassembled in Scone by the Vintage Fighter Restorations team. Additional flight hours will be completed locally before the aircraft is cleared for passenger operations.

More than 80 years after it last flew in wartime service, BS548 is now on a clear path toward a new chapter, linking its combat history with a future dedicated to preservation and public flying!