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Spitfire flight over Southampton marks 80th anniversary Spitfire flight over Southampton marks 80th anniversary
(about 1 hour later)
A flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire's first flight is taking place in Southampton later. A flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire's first flight is taking place over the Hampshire coast.
The first prototype, K5054, designed by RJ Mitchell, took off from Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5 March 1936.The first prototype, K5054, designed by RJ Mitchell, took off from Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5 March 1936.
A Spitfire is due to pass Southampton Water and the site of the Supermarine factory in Woolston, where thousands of the World War Two fighters were made. A Spitfire is passing Southampton Water and the site of the Supermarine factory in Woolston, where thousands of the World War Two fighters were made.
Southampton Airport managing director Dave Lees said the plane "continues to enthral people today".Southampton Airport managing director Dave Lees said the plane "continues to enthral people today".
Weather permitting, the plane will be visible over the Solent shortly after 11:45 GMT. The plane took off from the airport shortly before 12:00 GMT.
The best vantage points will be along the River Itchen, Weston Shore, Hythe, Royal Victoria Country Park, Lee on Solent and Cowes. The best vantage points are along the River Itchen, Weston Shore, Hythe, Royal Victoria Country Park, Lee on Solent and Cowes.
The plane will also pass over Mitchell's grave at Stoneham, before overflying the site of the Woolston factory and onwards to Portsmouth Harbour before flying back on itself to Southampton Airport. The plane's route takes in Mitchell's grave at Stoneham, the site of the Woolston factory and onwards to Portsmouth Harbour before returning to Southampton Airport.
During World War Two, with the Spitfire proving critical, the Supermarine factory was targeted by the Luftwaffe to destroy production facilities.During World War Two, with the Spitfire proving critical, the Supermarine factory was targeted by the Luftwaffe to destroy production facilities.
Members of the local Air Cadet Squadron are due to perform a guard of honour for the Spitfire as it is wheeled out of the hangar at Southampton Airport, on the same site as the old Eastleigh Aerodrome. Members of the local Air Cadet Squadron performed a guard of honour for the Spitfire as it was wheeled out of the hangar at Southampton Airport, on the same site as the old Eastleigh Aerodrome.
A later flight of two spitfires over Mayflower Park in Southampton, organised by Solent Sky Museum, is due to take place at 16:00.A later flight of two spitfires over Mayflower Park in Southampton, organised by Solent Sky Museum, is due to take place at 16:00.
The Supermarine SpitfireThe Supermarine Spitfire