1940 Hurricane X – AE977
This Battle of Britain era Hurricane was built in the spring of 1940. Initially allocated to the RAF it was then transferred to the Fleet Air Arm where it was converted to a Sea Hurricane.
With a recent count numbering just 16 worldwide this is one of only a handful of airworthy Hurricanes still flying. Proudly painted as a MK1 P2921 ‘Blue Peter’ this aircraft honours Peter Malam Brothers who was based with 32 Squadron at RAF Biggin Hill flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain.
- Built as Hurricane I by Canadian Car & Foundry, Spring 1940.
- Initially delivered to RAF in September 1940.
- Converted to Sea Hurricane Mk.X by July 1942.
- Crashed on December 5th, 1942 while being piloted by Squadron Leader Douglas Trevor King RNVR. Classified as ‘beyond economical repair’
- Found in 1960 and placed in storage until 1994
- Tom Wallis & Tony Ditheridge/Hawker Restorations Ltd., Milden, UK, April 21, 1994-2001.
- Restoration began in 1994-2000.
- Registered as G-TWTD.
- First flight June 7, 2000, Painted in the scheme of Gp Capt Douglas Bader, Commanding Officer, 242 Sqn, circa 1940. Marked as AE977
- Tom Friedkin/Chino Warbirds Inc, Chino, California, USA
- Oct. 2001-2004 Shipped from Southampton to Galveston.
- Trucked to Houston, TX for assembly.
- Based at Planes Of Fame.
- Shipped to the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Ltd, UK, 2012.
- Registered as G-CHTK March 2013.
- Currently painted to represent Hurricane Mk.I P2921 ‘Blue Peter’ flown by Pete Brothers of 32 Squadron, Biggin Hill during 1940