Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long

The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long, from Bury St Edmunds, who was killed in the Battle of Britain Memorial flight Spitfire crash on Saturday. An investigation is underway into why the old warbird came down shortly after taking off from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire around 13:20. 

While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.

On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.

In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.

In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania.

Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.

Mark’s family said:  "Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious.  Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all."

Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:  "In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever “the best boss that BBMF never had."

For the first time since WWII, thousands of Spitfires are to be mass-produced in the UK

Airfix repatriates production for the launch of the new Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc Super Kit

Airfix, one of the world’s oldest and most well-known manufacturers of model kits, is launching a new Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc model. The premium model will be manufactured in the UK – the first time a main model kit has been produced in the country in over a decade. The 433-part Super Kit, which produces a 1:24 scale model, will be manufactured in a factory on the south coast. It is arguably the best kit to be produced by Airfix since the company’s inception in 1952 and this particular Spitfire model is set to become an icon in its own right. Retailing at £94.99, the premium aircraft model will measure 397mm in length with a 469mm wingspan when built and is available in five design/scheme options. This is the second time that Airfix has moved part of its manufacturing requirements back to the UK. In 2006 Hornby Hobbies acquired the brand and in 2012 they moved an initial part of the production, specifically for its Quickbuild range, to a plant in East Sussex resulting in improved quality, reduced lead times, next-day deliveries and flexible stock holding. Talking about why now is the right time to bring production of this prestigious model back to the UK, Dale Luckhurst, Head of Brand at Airfix, said:

Top G7 VIPs are to lend young apprentices a helping hand on iconic Spitfire rebuild.

132 Squadron of Spitfire Mk Vb’s                                                    photo www.imperialwarmuseum.org.uk

                                  On 9 June 2021, senior G7 representatives will visit the Trelonk estate in Cornwall, to assist a young team of apprentices and aviation engineers engaged in the reconstruction of the 'St. Ives, Cornwall' Presentation Spitfire.

In December 1941, following 15 months of determined fundraising by the local community, the St. Ives Spitfire fund reached its target of £5,000, enabling the construction of Spitfire BL709 'St. Ives, Cornwall' in early 1942.

BL709 spent its life in the service of 340 Squadron, with 13 'Free French' pilots at its controls taking part in 49 missions. On 12 June 1942, less than 6 months into operations, the plane was struck off following severe damage sustained during a raid. Despite its short career, the plane remains an immense source of pride for the local community of St. Ives.