Simply Planes

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photo by Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press

 

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

Their aircraft include a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks and a Dakota. Most of these aircraft can be seen at air shows throughout the country during the summer months.

Why not have a guided tour around the BBMF visitors centre which will give a rare opportunity to see some of the aircraft on their home territory and sometimes view the technicians working on these magnificent aircraft.

For admission fees and opening times.

 

The Aircraft

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Avro Lancaster Mk BI PA474 'The phantom of the Ruhr' - One of only two air worthy Lancasters in the world. PA474 was built in 1945 and was assigned to photo reconnaissance in Africa. After returning to this country and being used for a variety of duties, she was due to be used as an exhibit at the RAF museum, but was flown to RAF Waddington under the control of 44 Squadron. The aircraft was given a complete restoration and eventually joined the Battle of Britain flight in 1973.

Douglas C47 Dakota DC-3 ZA947 - Douglas C47 Dakota DC-3 ZA947 Was built in 1942 and spent most her operational life with the Royal Canadian Air force. The Aircraft was eventually purchased by the Royal Aircraft establishment in Farnborough, and was used for a variety of trials work before being put up for disposal in 1992, and being issued to the BBMF in March 1993. As well as crew training for the Lancaster, the Dakota is regularly displayed at Air shows throughout the country.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 - Was built in 1941 and served on the front line for nearly 4 years. On 14th of February 1945 AB910 took off from Hibaldstow airfield with a member of the ground crew sitting on the tail plane and carried out a short circuit and landed back safely. The aircraft was donated to the flight in 1965.