More than 20,000 rivets had to be individually inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.
An iconic restored WW2 Spitfire has taken to the skies again for the first time in sixty years - and next month it will set off on a remarkable around-the-world record flight attempt. IWC Schaffhausen and Boultbee Flight Academy took two years to restore the British aircraft and it was a Herculean task for everyone involved.
More than 20,000 rivets had to be individually inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, replaced. The goal of everyone involved was to keep the Spitfire MX.IX in its original condition, as far as possible, and procuring the different spare parts proved to be a real challenge.
The aircraft had no instrument panel and no flying instruments, and large parts of the hydraulic system, the undercarriage legs and the propeller were no longer in their original condition. Also, because the “Silver Spitfire” has a total of eight fuel tanks instead of two, various new pipes, valves and pumps had to be fitted. In addition, the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin 70 engine, with an output of over 1700 hp, was given a thorough overhaul and is now ready for another 500 flying hours.
“Luckily, we were able to reuse as many original parts as possible, which has allowed us to retain the unique character of this strikingly beautiful aircraft,” notes Gerry Jones, Chief Engineer at Boultbee Flight Academy.
Just a few days ago flight testing began and, over the next weeks, the crew will familiarise themselves with the aircraft. The 1943 Mk IX Spitfire is set to complete the 27,000-mile journey in four months, starting on August 5th, visiting 30 countries, with experienced pilots Matt Jones and Steve Brooks at the controls.
Futuristic Water Vessels That Will Change The Way We Travel Around The World
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From an autonomous submarine to transport cargo to hovercrafts and amphibious flying machines, these water vessels will transform the way we travel around the water world.
From an autonomous submarine to transport cargo to hovercrafts and amphibious flying machines, these water vessels will transform the way we travel around the water world.
Monaco-based yacht designer George Lucian’s ‘Dare to Dream’ concept is for those who are equally passionate about yachting and flying. The superyacht is built to transport a 100 metre (330 ft) airship, which will be tethered to its 140-metre-long deck. The yacht will also have a helipad if the owner wants to use a more modern form of aerial transportation. (Image: https://www.georgelucian.com/2017/8/10/n1n4432dtwnhxm36xs0unmm8apl1l8)
Monaco-based yacht designer George Lucian’s ‘Dare to Dream’ concept is for those who are equally passionate about yachting and flying. The superyacht is built to transport a 100 metre (330 ft) airshi..
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A group of researchers from Austria believe the future belongs to submarines that don’t pollute or destroy our oceans. They designed a silent bionic submarine that moves like a manta ray without distracting other sea dwellers. It is powered by two water-cooled battery packs that provide energy for the carbon nanotubes in the wings and can reach a depth of 40 metres. (Image: https://www.behance.net/gallery/5296193/amnis-bionic-submarine)
A group of researchers from Austria believe the future belongs to submarines that don’t pollute or destroy our oceans. They designed a silent bionic submarine that moves like a manta ray without dist..
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Is it a plane? Or, is it a boat? It’s a wing-inground (WIG) craft that can change the way we travel. Fitted with a 7-litre V8 race-car engine, AirFish 8 is designed to be operated by two crews and classified as a merchant ship with a carrying capacity for six to eight passengers. It takes off and lands like a seaplane, and hovers just two to six metres above water at a top speed of 180 kmph.
Is it a plane? Or, is it a boat? It’s a wing-inground (WIG) craft that can change the way we travel. Fitted with a 7-litre V8 race-car engine, AirFish 8 is designed to be operated by two crews and cl..
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This futuristic concept yacht designer Chulhun Park is a floating entertainment hub with bars, exhibition hall, spa, casino, club, theatre and a restaurant. The 229 metre long architecture is like a private city on water and could become the largest yacht in the world if commissioned. It houses 26 cabins for 52 guests. The Valkyrie’s Trimaran hull lessens the drag while cruising at high speeds. (Image: https://newatlas.com/deconstructivist-valkyrie-megayacht-luxury/58458/)
This futuristic concept yacht designer Chulhun Park is a floating entertainment hub with bars, exhibition hall, spa, casino, club, theatre and a restaurant. The 229 metre long architecture is like a ..
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As the climate changes and sea levels rise, last-mile deliveries of cargo are set to take the underwater route. The Berliner Logistics submarine is an underwater autonomous concept for logistics aiming to be operational by 2055 or earlier. With specialised docking stations and loading ports, the system can work on its own in tandem with ships and other carrier services for the efficient delivery of goods. (Image: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/submarine-concept)
As the climate changes and sea levels rise, last-mile deliveries of cargo are set to take the underwater route. The Berliner Logistics submarine is an underwater autonomous concept for logistics aimi..
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The A5 is a fully amphibious experimental flying machine that’s a combination of jetski and aircraft. Instead of being limited to a fixed set of runways, it can also take off and land on any reasonably large water body. The A5’s folding wings and an optional custom trailer ensures that it can be driven to and from water and parked in your garage easily.
The A5 is a fully amphibious experimental flying machine that’s a combination of jetski and aircraft. Instead of being limited to a fixed set of runways, it can also take off and land on any reasonab..
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