Spitfire NH341 Restoration Update #26

Spitfire Restoration Update #26. The Aero Legends Spitfire NH341 is being restored and converted to a dual cockpit T9 version. Includes the second guided tour of NH341 by Historic Flying Ltd engineer Martin Overall.

Release Date: 30th September 2016

Period Covered: 1st – 30th September 2016

Wings

Both wings have been painted are now fitted to the fuselage. The 14 wing attachment bolts have been reamed to nominal size and the bolts have been fitted. The undercarriage doors and wing tips are currently being worked.

Fuselage

Cowling rail brackets and details continue to be made. Various chain and cable guards have been made for the cockpit. The front screen has now been fitted with the rear screen to follow shortly..

Systems

The wing fuel system is now complete. The wiring for the pitot head and undercarriage microswitch system has been installed. The undercarriage cables are being rigged and holes are being cut for various controls. The main electrical looms for the fuselage are being installed.

Next Month…

Undercarriage doors and wing tips will be finished. Undercarriage retractions will be carried out. Fillet fairings will be in work. Engine bay system installation will commence.

Spitfire NH341 was built at Castle Bromwich as a Spitfire Low Level Fighter (LFIXE) and delivered to 8 MU on the 28th April 1944. It was sent to Miles Aircraft for modifications to be fitted before delivery to 411 (Grizzly Bear) squadron RCAF on 22nd June 1944. This was the only squadron NH341 served with and was flown by several pilots the most notable use of NH341 was in the hands of Flt Lt Hugh Charles Trainor who gained his third kill in 48 hours on 29th June 1944 when he downed an ME109 five miles West of Caen whilst flying her. Flt Lt Trainor destroyed another BF109 on the evening of 30th June 1944 over Thury Hurcourt, again in NH341. Flt Lt Trainor gained ace status later flying another Spitfire when he destroyed two more BF109s in a single flight on the 4th July, this was after NH341 had been lost on the 2nd July whilst being flown by another pilot who escaped unscathed after tangling with FW190s South East of Caen.

The Aero Legends Spitfire restoration NH341 project and conversion to a dual cockpit T9 version is by the experts at Historic Flying Ltd (HFL), Duxford.