The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. The mission of the RAF BBMF is to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country. The RAF BBMF also serves to promote the modern day Air Force and to inspire the future generations. The Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft (primarily for training). The aircraft are flown by regular RAF Aircrew. These aircraft can be regularly seen in the skies over the UK from May to September each year. They are flown to celebrate and commemorate public and military events from State occasions such as Trooping the Colour to major airshows and flypasts for public events. As the virtual display team we aim to bring the same level of high standards to our displays and to continue the great work of the BBMF in the virtual work of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The iconic Supermarine Spitfire was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940. More Spitfires were built than any other British combat aircraft before or since World War Two - 20,341 in total. There are six Spitfires on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The Hawker Hurricane played a vital role in the Battle of Britain. There are only 12 airworthy Hurricanes left in the world, and the BBMF proudly operates two of these historically important aircraft: Hurricane LF363 (Mk IIC) - believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service with the RAF. Hurricane PZ865 (Mk IIC) - the last Hurricane built (of 14,533).
The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history, and was widely used by the Allies during World War Two.
The Flight’s Dakota ZA947, named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces.
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The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history, and was widely used by the Allies during World War Two.
The Flight’s Dakota ZA947, named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces.
She is displayed on her own and in BBMF formations, and also used for training pilots and aircrew for the Flight’s Lancaster.
The BBMF has two de Havilland Chipmunks: WG486 and WK518. The ‘Chippies’ are the least displayed aircraft on the BBMF fleet, but they are used year-round for the training of the Flight’s pilots on tail-wheel aircraft, the reconnaissance of new venues, and the delivery and collection of pilots and spare parts.
The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world - 7,377 were built. Lancaster PA474 was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester on 31 May 1945, just after VE day. The war in the Far East ended before she was deployed and she did not take part in any hostilities.
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