Supermarine Spitfire MH603 April 2021

It’s been great to see the progress on Supermarine Spitfire F Mk. IX MH603 at Pay’s Air Service and Vintage Fighter Restorations (VFR). It’s been 10 months since we last reported on the progress and as with all Warbird restorations the final phases seem to take longer than anticipated and this has been the case with MH603. The major indication of progress has been the arrival and installation of its Rolls Royce Merlin from its overhaul in the USA. The impact of COVID-19 and some parts supply delays held up the completion of the Merlin however eventually all of that was overcome and the engine arrived.

In the interim, much work has been done to complete the setting up of all of the aircrafts systems with all of the hydraulic, electrical and fuel systems nearly finished.  Much of the current activity surrounds the detail of the installation of numerous engine system connections and ancillary components and final testing of the aircrafts controls.

At this stage there is no definitive timing on the first flight of MH603, however with the passing of each day the number of items to be completed grows smaller and smaller. Rest assured that as the final components are signed off and the aircraft ventures into the air for the first flight Warbirds Online will be on hand to witness the first flight of this magnificent Spitfire.

Read more about how the restoration of Supermarine Spitfire F Mk. IX MH603 started in 2016 in our news article at Spitfire Restorations – update Aug 2016

It was great to get back to Pay’s Air Service and Vintage Fighter Restorations at Scone NSW to view the progress on the Spitfire and it will be an exciting time, with much to look forward to once completed. As always we thank Ross Pay and the team at VFR for their assistance with this news article.

© John Parker 2021