Spitfire PR.XIX Startup by Steve Hinton at Chino, California

This is a great clip of an engine startup of the former Planes of Fame Museum's (Chino, California) Spitfire PR. XIX. I took this JUST before this Spit was shipped off to the new owner in France, Christophe Jacquard. Steve Hinton is at the controls. This aircraft was originally a gift from King Bhumibol of Thailand to The Museum back in 1962. It was not returned to flight status until Steve Hinton and crew fitted a mighty Rolls-Royce Griffon engine and contra-rotating prop combination obtained for the very reasonable price of US$10,000. This really gave the final impetus for the completion of the restoration. The Griffon and prop were from a four-engined Avro Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft. I understand one of the major hurdles was to manufacture the huge prop spinner! The original clipped wingtips were also changed to the eliptical shape that was common to most Spitfires.

It appeared to me that Steve was further developing some flight performance data for the new owner on this flight (i.e. very slow flight at altitude, stalls, etc.).

We're sorry to see this gorgeous beast leave the USA, but I am happy to hear that the new owner is very generous in displaying and flying the aircraft at European airshows. But don't worry, the Planes of Fame Museum still has two flyable Spitfires in stock :).

If you'd like, also check out my other warbird videos. Thanks!

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[JGUIGNARD]

Dwnshifter - that PRXIX did not have the contra-rotating prop originally. I seem to recall that when Planes of Fame restored it, a servicable 5-bladed prop was not available. I believe that Planes of Fame acquired the contra prop and the Griffon engine as a package - they came from an Avro Shackleton patrol bomber. That airplane is now in England, so I am guessing it will never show up at Oskosh unless it gets sold to someone in the USA.

[octane130]

@JGUIGNARD: You are correct. This aircraft was donated to the Planes of Fame Museum in 1962 by the King of Thailand. It again flew in 2002 at Chino with a completely serviceable Rolls-Royce Griffon/contra-prop combination from a Shackleton obtained from David Tallichet for only US$10,000. She was sold to Christophe Jacquard of France in 2005. She has since been refitted with her original, rebuilt Griffon engine and single, five-bladed propeller and repainted in her original RAF152 Sq.colors.

[SeafangXVI]

If you honestly believe the griffon powered spitfires didn't do much in combat you seroiusly need to study some history! the MK14 spitfire had speed, range and firepower and was heaavily involved in combat in the later part of the war. RAF ace Pete Brothers said it was his favorite mount as he could climb and accelerate towards the FW190's that were diving on him.

[2142ODST]

Coaxial contra-rotating prop. They increase performance, help reduce or eliminate rotational airflow around the fuselage (commonly the effect on the rudder during takeoff) and help counter the asymmetrical torque that single prop designs inherit.

[OFFSHORERACEING]

I LOVE HEARING THOSE ANTIQUE ENGINES RUN SO PLEASE KEEP THEM "UP"

[joseph6505]

i didnt know it had 2 props

[TheMarkXIV]

@FLSHBK1 Way to go. The RAF did recruit directly in Canada and some Yanks did go that route. Fighter or Coastal seem likely as there is just that one Kenneth (William) Owen in Bomber Command Losses. The Eagles are so famous their websites may include the ops record books (like Sgt Owen's Lanc squadron). RAF service records can be available to next-of-kin; see Veterans-UK website. My family lost three RAF flyers, but pre-Pearl Yanks joined when they didn't have to fight. All honour to them.

[FLSHBK1]

@TheMarkXIV @Fairclought7 Well, you gents have steered me in the proper directions. My cursory research has revealed that only 244 Yanks served in the 3 Eagle Squadrons (#71, #121 & #133), and that 77 of them were KIA. Those "small" (except to those involved) numbers give me hope of locating info on my Great Uncle Kenny. Thank you, one and all, for your guidance. I will post here when(if) I locate his story. My childhood family photo of him in RAF/RCAF uniform would help if I could find it!

[fairclought7]

@FLSHBK1 so did your uncle Owen fly in the eagle squadron? all i can say is thank you for your families sacrifice, as a Englishman and a patriot it means a lot to me that our American brothers came over to fight against the night when all of Europe was falling into darkness, all those "yanks" who joined the RAF in those dark times have a place in the hearts of the English people

RULE BRITANNIA

LONG LIVE AMERICA

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!

[TheMarkXIV]

@FLSHBK1 I just thought of checking the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database, which includes flyers with no known grave, and oddly there is only one K Owen of the RAF or RCAF - but it's an RAF sgt gunner on an RAAF Lancaster in 1944, which hardly fits. It might be your great-uncle had a different proper initial (say the family called him by his middle name) or transferred to the USAAF before he was lost. Tricky. Family legend can be wrong, but so can official records.

[TheMarkXIV]

@FLSHBK1 Franks has many omissions but is worth a try. The LAC (Library & Archives Canada), Ottawa, holds RCAF men's service records, available on request. Might help to join a web forum: Google 'RCAF service records'. If you can find the squadron, many have their own websites. Squadron record books (RCAF too) are in the AIR 27 files at the National Archives, Kew, London, if you ever visit. But published books can tell you a lot once you know where to look. Best of luck.

[FLSHBK1]

@transonicbuoy1 *(SALUTE)*