Replica SPITFIRE K5054 CRASH and reporters

Ahh, this old chestnut. G-BRDV was essentially built as a one-piece aeroplane, in order to save weight on things such as wing spar bolts etc.

Yeah, it’s now a traveling exhibit, and I got to sit in it at Flying Legends ’04, after spending a rather enjoyable hour with Harry van der Meer discussing it!

It is/was a lovely piece of craftsmanship, a REAL labour of love for Clive, but there were a lot of problems with the engine (a modified Jaguar V-12) for the few times that it took to the air.

Still the basic design is going strong in the States….

I think the replica Spitfire is now with the Southampton Solent Sky Museum as a travelling displey item.http://www.spitfireonline.co.uk/
It certainly has wings that can be removed outboard of the undercarriage, a mod that I thought was done to facilitate easy moves by the museum.
Pity it has ended up grounded(despite what Solent Sky Says) as with a bit more effort it could have been a reliable flyer.

Richard

Hey, i’m a journalist, and i’m not irritating!

Actually, I didn’t mean – either – that journo’s shouldn’t be defended. Oh dear…..shall I stop digging this hole????! :confused:

i have often seen it at shows as a static, but do they not fly it anymore?

It later crashed again, and the recovery team cut through it’s spars to shift it!

Didn’t someone on here say that Clive Du Cros then left his family and went off to Spain? 🙁

Was always surprised it was trying to attend Wroughton so soon- it had only flown a handful of times and essentially was still an un-tested prototype more than anything?

Hey, i’m a journalist, and i’m not irritating!

sorry, i’m sure your not irritating, but you got to admit that reporter was irritating and he did ask a stupid question 😮 😮 😮
sorry

i have often seen it at shows as a static, but do they not fly it anymore?

Hey, i’m a journalist, and i’m not irritating!

anybody know where this replica Spit ended up ??

They show a clip of when the undercarridge leg collapsed then it swerved onto the grass i mean it is simple science.

Haven’t viewed the interview, but in answer to your question: because they have to interview people on subjects they know nothing about, perhaps? Thats not in defence of journo’s, btw!