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Spitfire WWII fighters low-level run through Mach Loop
Filmed recently by our friend Dafydd Phillips the cool video in this post features the unique sight of two iconic Spitfire WWII fighters soaring through the “Mach Loop.”
Phillips explains;
‘Two legendary Supermarine Spitfires [Suffolk Spitfire RW382 and Spitfire Mk. IXc MK912] have taken to the skies over Wales for an unforgettable low-level run through the Mach Loop.
‘They were guided in by an Extra 330 whose pilot had knowledge of the Loop so would assist with the navigation.
‘Watch and listen to the Rolls Royce Merlin powered legendary World War II fighters carve through the valleys of this iconic military training area. It’s an incredibly rare sight to see such historic warbirds in the sky but to see them in the Mach Loop is a very special moment, a perfect mix of aviation heritage and breathtaking Welsh countryside.’
RW382
Suffolk Spitfire RW382’s story is a tale spanning countries and continents, with near misses and tragic moments.
All spitfires are unique, but RW382 stands out from the crowd as she carves through the air displaying eye-catching US Army Air Force livery. Chosen to honour the American ties with East Anglia, especially during WWII, our Spitfire carries the markings of the Mk. IX flown by Lt. Robert Connor of the 309th Fighter Squadron in the Mediterranean theatre of operations in 1944, one of 300 Spitfires flown by the Americans during the war.
Her unique nose art, depicting the cartoon character Porky Pig, is a reference to Lt Connor’s squadron nickname of ‘Porky’.
RW382 was manufactured as a ‘low-back’ Mk. XVI by the Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory, located near Birmingham, UK. The Mk. XVI is essentially identical to a Mk. IX Spitfire, but powered by an American built Packard Merlin 266, rather than a Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 as fitted to the Mk. IX. Manufactured too late to see action in WWII she was delivered to No 6 Maintenance Unit at Brize Norton on Jul. 20, 1945.
From a 1945 front line RAF fighter, to gate guardian, to first restoration, to tragic accident and finally now fully restored back to original wartime flying specification she rises to the sky with a captivating personality that showcases this warbird in all her splendid glory.
Throughout 2026 she can be seen at its new base at Sywell in Northamptonshire.
MK912
Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXc MK912 is operated by Lilham Aviation at Sywell Aerodrome.
Built in March 1944 at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, MK912 entered service with No 312 (Czech) Squadron, attacking V-weapon sites and defending the Normandy Landings. On June 10th, she briefly landed at the B2 landing ground, so becoming one of the first Allied fighters to land in Normandy after D-Day.
Following a forced landing in 2015 and after a long post war career with the Dutch and Belgian Air Forces, MK912 eventually entered civilian ownership and she underwent a major nine year restoration.
Lilham Aviation commissioned The Spitfire Factory at Bigginh Hill to rebuild MK912 to concours condition.
Spitfire Mk IX MK912 made her maiden post restoration flight in July 2024, proudly displaying the colours of the No 312 (Czech) Squadron with full invasion stripes.
Spitfire Mk. IXc MK912 can be booked for static displays, flypasts, TV & film projects, weddings, aerial displays and airshows.
Photo credit: Dafydd Phillips
