Spitfire Mk. IX
MH415 G-AVDJ
POA
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INTRODUCTION
The Spitfire is a short-range, high-performance interceptor
aircraft designed by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at
Supermarine Aviation Works, which operated as a subsidiary
of Vickers-Armstrong.
This aircraft; MH415 (now registered G-AVDJ), was built by
the Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory as a Mk. IX aircraft
under construction number CBAF 5542 in 1943.
On the 24th September 1943, MH415 claimed a FW-190 ‘victory’ north-west of Amiens in France whilst being flown by F/O Desmond F. Ruchwaldy during ‘Ramrod 242’, a mission to escort 12 Mitchell bombers detailed to attack the Amiens Marshalling Yards.
This aircraft is a truly exceptional example being over 95% complete of original parts. MH415 stayed fully assembled (other than for shipping and maintenance) from its date of manufacture right through to the commencement of its restoration in 2015 (completed to airworthy 2021). A truly remarkable aircraft with documented WWII combat history.
Manufacturer
Supermarine
Model
Spitfire Mk. IX
Registration
G-AVDJ
Serial Number
CBAF 5542
Year Constructed
1943
Airframe Hours
6:00 since restoration
Engine
Rolls Royce Merlin 66
Engine Hours
11:00 Since complete overhaul
Propeller
Rotol R12/4F5/4
Livery
Presented in superb condition in the livery scheme of RAF 222 (Natal) Squadron ZD-E, as flown between October to December 1943.
Avionics
Trig TY91 8.33 Transceiver
Trig TT22 Mode S transponder
Equipment
Canopy Cover
History
MH415 is one of the most original airworthy Spitfires in the world! With over 95% of its original components used during the restoration, this aircraft is a truly exceptional example.
The full military history and civil history of the aircraft is well documented (see “Military History” and “Civil History” attachments). The original RAF Operations Record Books for the aircraft are contained within the aircraft records (for reference see “WWII Operational History” attached).
MH415 has a documented ‘victory’ on 24 September 1943; flown by F/O Desmond F. Ruchwaldy with 129 Sqn, MH415 shot down a FW-190 whilst flying on fighter escort mission “Ramrod 242”.
During 1968 the aircraft starred in one of the most famous movies of all time “The Battle of Britain” (released September 1969).
Save for shipping and maintenance, the Aircraft remained in a fully assembled condition from the date of manufacturer right through to its restoration in 2015 (completed 2021). The aircraft is now fully airworthy and simply a superb example!
