Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V • AR501 • Shuttleworth - Season Premiere

Описание: Spitfire AR501, a Mark Vb variant, was constructed at the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory in Birmingham, England, with the construction number CBAF.4029. It's story began during World War II, a period when the Spitfire was vital to the Royal Air Force's (RAF) defense against the Luftwaffe.

Completed in early 1942, AR501 was initially assigned to No. 57 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at RAF Eshott. These units were crucial in the RAF's war effort, providing advanced training for newly qualified pilots before their deployment to frontline squadrons. At No. 57 OTU, AR501 was used to familiarize pilots with the Spitfire's handling, combat tactics, and operational procedures, preparing them for the demanding reality of aerial warfare.

Following its time at No. 57 OTU, AR501 was transferred to No. 129 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch in June 1942. No. 129 Squadron, known as "Mysore," was a fighter squadron with a proud history, though AR501's time with them was brief.

AR501's service took a notable turn when it was assigned to the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) in July 1942. It was transferred to the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Lee-on-Solent for trials with catapult-launched aircraft, specifically the "Polypult" system. This system aimed to launch Spitfires from fixed points, rather than aircraft carriers, to provide fighter cover for naval operations in situations where carriers were impractical. AR501 played a significant role in these trials, which tested the aircraft's structural limits under catapult launches. The trials proved the concept's feasibility, although the system did not see widespread adoption.

After its catapult trial role, AR501 was retired from active service in October 1944 and allocated to instructional duties. This marked a transition from frontline operations to a role in training aviation mechanics. AR501 became a ground instructional airframe at various training establishments.

After the war, while many surplus aircraft were scrapped, AR501 was preserved. It passed through several owners and was eventually restored to flying condition. This transformation from a ground instructional airframe to a flying example highlights the dedication of those involved in preserving aviation heritage.

Today, AR501 is a part of the Shuttleworth Collection, housed at Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, England.

✈️ Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb • AR501 // G-AWII (DU-E)
📌 Shuttleworth - Season Premiere
📅 11th May, 2025

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