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Spitfire TE356
Manufacture
Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI
Year
1945
Serial No
TE356
Restoration & Civilian Life
TE356 also became a film star, featuring in the iconic 1969 movie The Battle of Britain. Between 1967 and 1978, the aircraft was restored to taxiing condition for filming and appearances.
In 1987, TE356 passed into private ownership and was rebuilt by Trent Aero in the East Midlands before being exported to the USA in 1990, where it was registered as N356EV. From 1991 to 1998, it was displayed at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon, before passing through several private owners.
In 2019, TE356 finally returned home to the UK, where it remained in storage until 2025. Today, TE356 is used for Sit in a Spitfire Experiences with FlyaSpitfire.com, with the future plan of returning her to the skies
Built in 1945 at Castle Bromwich, TE356 is a Spitfire Mk XVI “low-back”, featuring the distinctive teardrop canopy and redesigned rear fuselage, giving pilots improved all-round visibility.
Originally fitted with a Packard-built Merlin 266 engine, TE356 was equipped with the Type E wing, capable of carrying either four 20mm Hispano cannons or a combination of two 20mm Hispano cannons and two .50-calibre Browning M2 machine guns.
Delivered to No. 29 Maintenance Unit in 1945, TE356 was subsequently issued to No. 695 Squadron RAF. In 1949, it remained in service when 695 Squadron was renumbered as No. 34 Squadron. From 1951 to 1952, the aircraft served with No. 2 Central Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit at Little Snoring.
Following the end of its operational service in 1952, TE356 began a new chapter as a gate guardian and display aircraft, appearing at RAF Bicester, RAF Little Rissington, RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming.
