In the last couple of weeks, a concentrated effort has been made to complete the installation of the Spitfire IX wings, both of which are now permanently fitted with the new spar bolt holes reamed to size and the new bolts fitted. The engine bearer has also been re-fitted and the Rolls Royce Merlin engine installed together with the propeller.

The undercarriage oleos have been refurbished with new seals being fitted and have been installed onto the aircraft together with freshly overhauled wheels, brakes and new tyres.

The cooling system radiators, intercooler and coil cooler have all been re-fitted into the wing, leaving just the repainting of the pipe work to complete the installation.

All of the flight controls have been re-fitted but require the control rigging to be carried out. If all goes well the remaining work should be carried out in the next few weeks and the aircraft test flown sometime in April.