Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is an operational unit of the Royal Air Force dedicated to preserving, maintaining and flying historic RAF aircraft in tribute to those who have served. Formed in 1957 and renamed BBMF in 1969, the Flight is based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and is tasked to support state, ceremonial and commemorative events across the UK and beyond.

The Flight’s airworthy collection centers on an Avro Lancaster B.I (PA474), a pair of Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc, and a fleet of Supermarine Spitfires spanning early (Mk IIa) to late-war and photo-reconnaissance (PR.XIX) marks, together with a Douglas C-47 Dakota and two de Havilland Chipmunks for currency and training. Pilots and engineers are serving RAF personnel; displays highlight the RAF’s heritage while inspiring future generations.

Avro Lancaster PA474. Four-engined heavy bomber, a mainstay of Bomber Command from 1942. BBMF’s PA474 flies in period schemes and often leads commemorative three-ship flypasts with Spitfire and Hurricane.

Supermarine Spitfire. Iconic RAF fighter famed for the Battle of Britain. BBMF operates multiple marks, including Mk IIa P7350 (the world’s oldest airworthy Spitfire and a Battle of Britain veteran), Mk Vb AB910, Mk XVIe TE311, and PR.XIXs PM631 & PS915.

Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc. Rugged RAF fighter credited with the majority of RAF victories during the Battle of Britain. BBMF’s LF363 and PZ865 often pair with the Spitfires for authentic Battle of Britain formations.

Douglas C-47 Dakota ZA947. WWII transport used for troop/cargo drops and flypasts, frequently supporting major commemorations and parachute events.

de Havilland Chipmunk. Two aircraft are used primarily for training, currency and liaison flying.

1957. Formed at RAF Biggin Hill as the RAF Historic Aircraft Flight to keep key WWII fighters flying in tribute to “The Few.”

1969. Renamed Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to reflect the commemorative mission and broadened public role.

1976 → present. Relocated to RAF Coningsby, operating under No. 1 Group. Fleet expanded to include the Lancaster PA474, multiple Spitfires, two Hurricanes, the Dakota ZA947 and two Chipmunks.

Recent years. Frequent state occasions, Remembrance flypasts and major anniversaries (including the RAF centenary in 2018), often featuring classic “Trenchard” style formations.

• Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 is the world’s oldest airworthy Spitfire and flew in the Battle of Britain.
• Lancaster PA474 is one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world.
• BBMF Hurricanes LF363 and PZ865 are both Mk IIc—the latter was the last Hurricane built.
• BBMF’s Dakota ZA947 often supports commemorative parachute and mass-flypast events.
• The Flight is an operational RAF unit of No. 1 Group—a “museum without walls” that flies.