Why Parnall?
The Presentation Spitfire Story
In order to raise funds for Britain's war effort, a 'Spitfire Fund' was created. The cost of a Spitfire was set at £5,000 and individuals, businesses and communities, were encouraged to donate and inscribe their aircraft with a name of their choice.
Over £13m was raised and approximately 1,500 Presentation Spitfires were built during the Second World War. Presentation Spitfires enabled people to root their participation in the war effort in an iconic physical object, and their operations were closely followed in the press and the community.
About Us
Why Parnall?
During the Second World War, the Parnall Aircraft Company was a key manufacturing partner to Vickers Supermarine, building a variety of Spitfire components including main planes, ailerons, fuel tanks, oil tanks, chassis jacks, tail wheel assemblies, wheel fairings, radiator fairings, flaps, tail planes, elevators, rudders, balloon hoods, oil cooler fairings and machined details.
This is therefore a unique opportunity to own a Presentation Spitfire built by the same manufacturing family.
Our Aircraft
Aircraft Essence
A Parnall Spitfire will be ‘as it left the factory’ during war time. Without the need to obtain a permit to fly, the aircraft can be produced using entirely original processes and to orginal specifications, without the need for costly, airworthy materials. The result will be an honest recreation of a wartime produced Spitfire, which looks, feels and smells like the original. Each aircraft will bear a signed Parnall Aircraft Company Manufacturer’s plate and be delivered with a certificate of authenticity.
Key Information
Technical Specification
FRAME AND FUSELAGE
- Mk. 5, although other marks may be discussed.
- Paint-scheme and presentation name accurately applied using original photographs as references.
COCKPIT & CONTROLS
- Largely original cockpit internals, dials and controls.
- Fully functioning flight controls.
- Functioning cockpit and navigation lights and illuminated gunsight.
Engine
- Rolls-Royce Merlin engine accurately installed.
- Other build specifications may be accommodated.
Armaments
- Replica armament applicable to type built may be installed.
- Imitation ammunition for wing bays.
With the Plane
Build Book
A coffee table style book, charting the aircraft’s original history and subsequent reconstruction will be presented with the aircraft.
Parnall’s researchers will present a narrative of the original aircraft’s benefactor(s), how the money was raised, where the aircraft was built, who flew it and in which squadrons. The result will be a rich and engaging storyboard for the plane.
A framed and signed print of the engineering team who re-built the plane will also be presented.
Picture credit: The St. Ives Museum
With the Aircraft
Merchandise
Merchandise and apparel from Parnall Aircraft Company’s bespoke collection will be available to accompany the aircraft. Some items may be dual-branded with the name of the aircraft, enabling not only the benefactors, but a wider audience of employees, customers and enthusiasts to celebrate the re-birth of an icon.
Your Spitfire
Display & Exposition
People will be able to sit in your Spitfire and immerse themselves in the aircraft when on display. Removable cowlings and access panels will allow people to view the internals of the aircraft including the wings, fuselage and engine compartment. The aircraft can be transported to various locations using a minimum of external equipment. This is therefore an opportunity to enjoy and offer to others, an authentic, yet highly immersive Spitfire experience.
Uses for the aircraft
A variety of uses for the aircraft are envisaged:
- Corporate HQ’s, trade-fares and exhibitions.
- Tourist promotions for cities, towns and regions.
- Loans to museums and film production companies.
- Private collection display.
With the Plane
Storytelling
Accompanying the aircraft will be a collection of storytelling aids to support the aircraft’s exposition:
- Aircraft logbook recreated as per the original.
- Portable display featuring an illustrated history of the aircraft.
- Pilot’s uniform, recreated to match that worn by one of the aircraft’s former pilots.
- Scale model(s) of the aircraft may also be provided.
With the Aircraft
Dressed to Impress
To assist the display of the aircraft it can be configured in a variety of attitudes - for example:
- Positioned in the flying attitude.
- External lighting to illuminate the aircraft on display.
- Green screen and/or cloud back-drop for photography.