ABOVE: This is not a Spitfire, but a fully composite replica of the WWII fighter
The Private Flyer Fest, held at Wycombe Air Park in May, saw the surprising debut of the Aerolite Spitfire Type 433. Inspired by the Spitfire Mk IX, the aircraft is being developed by Cornwall-based Great British Supermarine Ltd (GBSL) as a modern interpretation of the famous fighter for recreational pilots. The proposed design features a fully composite airframe, two-seat dual-control layout and a certified 400hp engine driving a large-scale propeller intended to recreate much of the unmistakable Spitfire sound.
The project aims to combine classic styling with reduced ownership costs, improved fuel efficiency and modern avionics, with a first Permit to Fly currently anticipated for 2029. According to GBSL, British engineers investigated alternative materials during WWII amid concerns over potential aluminium shortages. A company called Aero Research developed a material known as Gordon Aerolite, and plans were drawn up for a composite Spitfire before the project was ultimately abandoned. “What we’re doing today is continuing that story using modern composite materials and manufacturing techniques”, an engineer from GBSL said. “The next step is to obtain the necessary financial support to advance the project to prototype stage, then on to production of kits.”
PHOTO: Andrew March
