The Supermarine Spitfire first flew on 5 March 1936 and quickly became a symbol of British air power, playing a vital role in the Battle of Britain. The Mark V, featuring an upgraded engine, was one of the most widely produced variants. Spitfire Mk Vc AR501, now part of the Shuttleworth Collection, was built by Westland Aircraft in Yeovil and served with No. 310 (Czech) Squadron at Duxford in 1942. During this time, it escorted USAAF B-17 and B-24 bombers.
Postwar, AR501 was used as an instructional airframe at the RAF's Central Gunnery School before being transferred to the Shuttleworth Collection in 1961. It was restored to flying condition for the film The Battle of Britain, then stored until a full restoration returned it to wartime authenticity. In the winter of 2000/2001, AR501 was repainted and fitted with elliptical wingtips, restoring it to the configuration it had during its 1942 service with 310 Squadron.
