The Pat Hughes Spitfire News
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia X4009
Restoration
Spitfire Replica Assembled to Support X4009
The Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) Technical Team embarked on the assembly of the newly arrived Spitfire replica from GB Replicas, UK. This replica, constructed as a Mk. IX and painted in the colour scheme of Spitfire X4009, is an engineering marvel, but the assembly was not without a few challenges! The HFC [...]
The Power of Collaboration to Restore Spitfire X4009
At Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC), we are not just restoring aircraft—we’re bringing history back to life. And sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are written not just in the skies, but through the partnerships forged. One such inspiring collaboration is the HFC journey with REC Watches, whose passion for preserving history resonates deeply [...]
Dimity Torbett’s Gifts Boost Spitfire X4009 Rebuild Effort
We had the honour of meeting Dimity Torbett, the niece of Paterson (Pat) Clarence Hughes, Australia's highest scoring Battle of Britain fighter ace. Dimity shared many fond memories of her uncle, bringing Pat's story to life for all of us at Hunter Fighter Collection. She also generously donated a wooden tray that [...]
Spitfire X4009 Project Reaching Key Milestones
Further progress on the restoration and rebuild of Spitfire X4009! Ross Pay, Chairman of Hunter Fighter Collection, visited Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight UK to discuss the ongoing project with Steven Vizard. Airframe Assemblies are dedicated to the restoration and repair of airframes for World War II warbirds mainly Spitfires [...]
Pat Hughes aircraft photos at RAAF Point Cook 1937
Photos from the the scrapbook of Paterson Clarence Hughes and his service at RAAF Point Cook, Victoria have been shared. Hunter Fighter Collection visited David Hughes, Pat’s nephew, at Parkes NSW recently and David generously shared a number of photos and family memorabilia about Pat and his service in Australia and the [...]
Spitfire X4009 Watch launched by REC Watches
REC watches in collaboration with Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated have launched a limited edition range of watches to commemorate Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4009. The X4009 watches are limited-edition timepieces made from Spitfire Mk Ia X4009 aircraft, flown by Australian fighter-ace Flight Lieutenant Paterson (Pat) Clarence Hughes DFC during the Battle of [...]