SPITFIRE F.IX MH603
Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.IX
Supermarine Spitfire MH603 is an airworthy World War II fighter aircraft built in the UK in 1943. Following a comprehensive restoration in Scone, NSW, this Mk IX Spitfire returned to the skies in 2021 and currently operates as an active, flying exhibit at the Hunter Warbirds Museum.
RESTORATION
Spitfire F Mk.IX MH603 was acquired in 2009 from Provenance Fighter Sales and has required a complete airframe rebuild. The extensive structural work required on the aircraft was meticulously carried out by Vintage Fighter Restorations at Scone, NSW. The wings were fully rebuilt in their jig assemblies, as was the fuselage and tail assemblies. Many components required to complete this aircraft have had to be manufactured on site or sourced from overseas. A rebuild of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was completed, overseen by VFR’s Merlin and Allison engine specialist engineer, Alf Morgan. The aircraft was completed, ready to fly for the first time in 60+ years. This aircraft was completed as closely as possible to its authentic operational configuration and markings and wears one of its actual WWII colour schemes.
All restorations carried out by Vintage Fighter Restorations are completed with the highest level of attention to detail and accuracy. This Spitfire is one of the most authentic restorations of a Spitfire carried out and the epitome of what an Mk IX Spitfire should be, including authentic instrumentation and fit out of the airframe with period-correct components.
HISTORY
This Spitfire, with construction number CBAF.IX.5589, was built in 1943 at Castle Bromwich UK. The aircraft, now RAF serialed MH603 was delivered to 39 Maintenance Unit (MU) on 15-10-43. It then passed on to 405 Repair and Salvage Unit (ARF) at Croydon on 25/10/43. The aircraft commenced operational service with 331(Norwegian) Squadron on 3/1/44 and served operationally coded ”FN-B”, flown by Capt. Bjorn Bjornstad, then moved to 274 Squadron RAF coded as ‘JJ-K’ on 2-6-44 where it was flown by W/O.S.G.Barker . The Spitfire is noted as going to Fighter Leaders School FLS Millfield on 21/8/44 and then to the Central Fighter Establishment (CFE) Tangmere on 1/6/45. Following its operational service the aircraft passed through a number of training and maintenance units. Post war, in 1949, the aircraft was sold to the South African Air Force and following retirement in 1955 passed on to South African Metal & Machinery Co, Salt River, Cape Town as scrap until the remains were recovered by the South African Air Force museum and stored at Snake Valley.
In 1989 the aircraft was recorded back in the UK with Steve Atkins of Rye, Sussex, and then with John Sykes, Oxford, UK. In 1993 the Spitfire is reported as being in the USA with Joe Scogna/ Vintage Air, Yardley PA. From 1993 until 2008 the aircraft was a project at Fort Collins CO and in 2008 it was acquired by Provenance Fighter Sales and sold to Pay’s in 2009.
MH603 made her first post-restoration flights on Saturday, December 11th, 2021. Veteran warbird pilot Stephen Death was at the controls for the initial 20-minute hop, joined in the air by Paul Bennet, who flew chase duties in our Pay’s CAC-built Mustang Mk.21 A68-107.
