Follow the latest news and progress updates on the restoration of Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4009, the Pat Hughes Flying Memorial.
Restoration Progress, August 2024
Ross Pay, Chairman of Hunter Fighter Collection, visited Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight, UK to discuss ongoing progress with Steven Vizard. Airframe Assemblies are dedicated to the restoration and repair of airframes for World War II warbirds, particularly Spitfires.
X4009 Replica Assembly, September 2024
The HFC technical team embarked on the assembly of the newly arrived Spitfire replica from GB Replicas, UK. Constructed as a Mk IX and painted in the colour scheme of Spitfire X4009, the replica is an engineering marvel that presented a few interesting challenges during assembly.
REC Watches Partnership, April 2023
REC Watches in collaboration with Hunter Fighter Collection launched a limited-edition range of watches to commemorate Spitfire X4009. The timepieces incorporate original and authentic aluminium from the fuselage of X4009, deemed unfit for the ongoing restoration, into the small-seconds subdial.
Wreckage Shipped to Australia, April 2023
The engine of Spitfire X4009 along with the aircraft wreck, amounting to nearly 500 kg, was packed and shipped from Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight to Hunter Fighter Collection at Scone. Stage 1 of the project, including manufacturing of fuselage frame components and longitudinal structural members, was completed.
$150,000 Government Grant, January 2021
Hunter Fighter Collection was awarded $150,000 in funding under the Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, enabling work to commence on the fuselage assembly of X4009.
Stay updated by following the Pat Hughes Spitfire Facebook page. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.