SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE LF Mk 16E

C/n CBAF 11892, Serial No TE288

Although the RNZAF did not operate Spitfires in its own right, many hundreds of New Zealanders piloted them whilst serving with the RAF during World War Two. 485 (NZ) Squadron was equipped with Spitfires and was manned exclusively by New Zealand pilots.

Manufactured at Castle Bromwich in May 1945, this aircraft's main claim to fame was that it took part in the film "Reach for the Sky" in 1955. It was subsequently allocated as an RAF maintenance airframe No 7287M from 24 October 1955 to April 1962. The aircraft was presented to the Christchurch Brevet Club and was crated by No 2 Maintenance Unit before leaving for New Zealand in April 1963. The aircraft was re-assembled at RNZAF Base Wigram and mounted on a plinth at the Brevet Club Canterbury's former home near Christchurch Airport on 3 March 1964. In 1984 the Brevet Club relinquished ownership of the aircraft in favour of a fibreglass replica moulded from TE288, with the latter being donated to the Museum.

The aircraft is displayed simply as OU-V of No 485 (NZ) Squadron in Europe in 1945 and carries no serial number.