SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE

          PM631          

PM631 - Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX, Cosford 2009 - pic by Nigel Key
PM631 - Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX, Cosford 2009 ©Nigel Key

AB910 | AR213 | BM597 | EP120 | MH434 | MK356 | P7350 | P9374 | PL965 | PM631 | PS853 | PS915 | TA805 | TD248 | TE311 | X4650

Supermarine Spitfire PM631 was ordered from Vickers-Armstrong and built at Reading late in 1945, and then delivered to 6 Maintenance Unit, Brize Norton on the 6th November 1945.

Too late to see operational service during World War II she possibly served with 203 Advanced Flying School from May 1949 to January 1950 then stored until July 1951.

On the 2nd of July 1951, PM631 was sent to Meteorological Research Flight operated by Short Brothers at Hooton Park; unit moved to Woodvale on July 13th.

PM631 was used for Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Flight (THUM) at RAF Woodvale until 11 July 1957.

PM631 was then sent to Biggin Hill to be part of the Historic Aircraft Flight in July 1957, which later became the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

She has been with the BBMF ever since except for a period when it was used for combat trials against the Central Fighter Establishment's Lightning’s at Binbrook in early 1964.

Used in 'The Battle of Britain' film in 1968.

PM631 is the BBMF's longest serving aircraft, with 2005 being her 48th year of continuous service on display duties.

PM631 is painted as an early PRXIX of 541 Squadron. Undergoing major maintenance at ARC from October 2009 including a wing re-spar, and new radio & GPS system fitted (estimated to be complete by April 2010).

SPECIFICATION (PR XIX)
Length - 32ft 8in (3.86m)
Wingspan - 36ft 10in (11.23m)
Height - 12ft 8in (3.86m)
Engine - Rolls Royce Griffon 66
Power - 1,540 Hp
Max. Speed - 445 mph (717 km/h)
Fuel Capacity - 254 Imp Gal(1,154 L)

ARMAMENT
None


AB910 | AR213 | BM597 | EP120 | MH434 | MK356 | P7350 | P9374 | PL965 | PM631 | PS853 | PS915 | TA805 | TD248 | TE311 | X4650


PHOTOGRAPHS

PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - Cosford 2009 - pic by Nigel Key PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - Cosford 2009 - pic by Nigel Key PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - Cosford 2009 - pic by Nigel Key
Cosford 2009 Cosford 2009 Cosford 2009
PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - RIAT 2007 - pic by Nigel Key PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - RIAT 2007 - pic by Nigel Key PM631 Supermarine Spitfire PR XIX - RIAT 2007 - pic by Nigel Key
RIAT 2007 RIAT 2007 RIAT 2007


Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key


Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight or BBMF presently consist of twelve aircraft :-
  6 Spitfires, (including PM631)
  2 Hurricanes,
  Lancaster,
  Dakota,
  2 Chipmunks.

They are operated by the Royal Air Force and have been based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire since 1976.

The BBMF participate in scores of Air Displays and events every year.


Movie Appearances

Battle of Britain
Starring: Michael Caine, Kenneth More, Christopher Plummer.

An all star cast, the Battle of Britain is a spectacular film of a true story that shows courage at its inspiring best. The film shows how when the outnumbered Royal AIr Force (RAF) defied insurmountable odds when engaging the German Luftwaffe, they may well have altered the course of history!

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