AVIATION SERVICES
by ARCo of Duxford
The Restoration Facility
Our restoration department has steadily grown over the years and is now housed within the purpose built Hangar 425, a part of our industry leading facility at the Eastern end of Duxford Airfield. Operating as a major department of the wider Aircraft Restoration Company, this team is really the result of the successful merger of two organisations, these being Historic Flying Ltd and Propshop Ltd.
Historic Flying Limited was formed in the late 1980’s to initially restore five Spitfires from the Royal Air Force’s stock of Gate Guardians. The first of these projects, Spitfire XVI RW382, was finished and took off on it’s first post restoration flight in 1991. Since that first milestone, the team have restored approximately a third of the world’s flying Spitfires, and have become synonymous with this most famous of British Aircraft.
Propshop Ltd was founded by John Romain, initially as a way of building a team to restore the second Bristol Blenheim IV project G-BPIV. It was based within a small workshop on Duxford Airfield called ‘Building 66’, which soon picked up the nickname ‘Blenheim Palace’ among those on site. It wasn’t only the Blenheim project which Propshop Ltd found themselves working on in those early years as the development of Duxford Airfield began to flourish into an oasis for the warbird scene. Soon Propshop Ltd had a selection of restorations on build, as well as providing maintenance services to the collectors of many of the vintage flying machines which had made Duxford their home. A few years after forming, Propshop Ltd began trading as ‘Aircraft Restoration Company’ the name which would eventually become the umbrella for everything we are today.
In 2001, under the ownership of Karel Boss, Historic Flying Ltd moved from Audley End to Duxford Airfield, and into the newly completed ‘Hangar 425’ which it would share with Propshop Ltd (by this time more commonly known as Aircraft Restoration Company, or ‘ARCo’ for short).
The two companies were now both under the management of John Romain, and began working closely together, transferring skills, knowledge, and experience in order to grow the collaborative abilities on offer to clients. In time it was Karel Bos’ desire to step away from Historic Flying Ltd, and allow John to take over the business fully, which he did in December 2007.
Over the following decade, both companies continued to develop and grow, side by side. The teams were now fully integrated with one another and as a result were able to provide a wide array of specialist skills on site, elevating our overall in-house capabilities to industry leading levels. By this stage the official marrying of the two companies into one organisation was largely complete. In 2016 we opened the doors to the Stephenson Hangar, which now houses our maintenance department, whilst Hangar 425 is dedicated entirely to restoration. The Restoration Department is headed by the experienced hand of accomplished engineer and pilot Martin ‘Mo’ Overall.
To browse the full list of vintage aircraft that have been put back into the skies by our restoration teams over the years, expand the dropdown below by giving each category a click or tap:
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1991 - Spitfire XVI RW382 - Full Rebuild
1992 - Spitfire IX TE566 - Full Rebuild
1992 - Spitfire XVIII TP280 - Full Rebuild
1992 - Spitfire TD248 - Full Rebuild
1994 - Spitfire XIV NH799 - Full Rebuild
1995 - Spitfire XIV SM832 - Full Rebuild
1995 - Spitfire Vb EP120 - Full Rebuild
1995 - Spitfire IX MH434 - Major Overhaul
1996 - Spitfire Vc AR614 - Full Rebuild
1997 - Spitfire Vb AB910 - Major Overhaul
1997 - Spitfire XIX PM631 - Major Overhaul
1997 - Spitfire Vb BM597 - Full Rebuild
2000 - Spitfire XVIII SM845 - Full Rebuild
2000 - Spitfire IX MK912 - Full Rebuild
2002 - Spitfire XIV RN201 - Full Rebuild
2004 - Spitfire XIX PS915 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2005 - Spitfire IX - T9 IAC-161 - PV202 - Full Rebuild
2005 - Spitfire IX TA805 - Full Rebuild
2006 - Spitfire XVI RW386 - Full Rebuild
2006 - Spitfire Vc JG891 - Full Rebuild
2007 - Spitfire IX PL344 - Major Overhaul
2008 - Spitfire IX MK356 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2009 - Spitfire IIa P7350 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2010 - Spitfire SL633 - Full Rebuild
2011 - Spitfire XIX PM631 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2012 - Spitfire Ia P9374 - Full Rebuild
2012 - Spitfire XIX PS853 - Major Overhaul
2014 - Spitfire Ia N3200 - Full Rebuild
2014 - Spitfire XVIII SM845 - Major Overhaul
2015 - Spitfire Vb AB910 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2016 - Spitfire XIX PS915 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2017 - Spitfire IX - T9 NH341 - Full Rebuild & Conversion to T9
2018 - Spitfire XI PL983 ‘L’ - Full Rebuild
2018 - Spitfire Vc JG891 - Major Overhaul
2019 - Spitfire IX MJ271 ‘G-IRTY The Silver Spitfire’ - Full Rebuild
2020 - Spitfire XIX PS890 - Full Rebuild
2023 - Spitfire IX ML417 - Major Overhaul
2024 - Spitfire IX - T9 MJ444 - Full Rebuild & Conversion to T9
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1989 - Focke-Wulf FW190A-8/R6 733682 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford
1989 - MH-1521M Broussard - Major Overhaul
1989 - Auster AOP9 XR241 - Major Overhaul
1989 - DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 WP905 - Major Overhaul
1990 - DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 WB585 - Major Overhaul
1990 - MS.505 Criquet G-BPHZ - Major Overhaul
1992 - T-6G Harvard 51-14526 - Major Overhaul
1993 - Westland Lysander IIIA V9673 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford
1994 - P51 Mustang 'Short Fuse Sallee' - Major Repairs to extent of Rebuild
1998 - Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 1190 - Static Restoration for IWM Duxford
1998 - Hurricane IIc LF363 - Full Rebuild
2000 - Harvard IV 1747 ‘Taz’ - Major Overhaul
2005 - Hurricane IIc PZ865 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2006 - NA-64 Yale 3349 - Major Overhaul
2006 - Hurricane IIc LF363 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2011 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 G-AOTR - Major Overhaul
2011 - DHC-2 Beaver G-DHCZ - Major Overhaul
2011 - HA-1112-M1L Buchón G-AWHE - Major Overhaul
2012 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WK586 G-BXGX - Major Overhaul
2013 - Hurricane IIc PZ865 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2018 - DHC-2 Beaver G-EVMK - Major Overhaul
2018 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WG486 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2018 - Westland Lysander IIIA V9312 G-COMM - Full Rebuild
2019 - DH-88A Puss Moth G-ABLS - Full Rebuild
2019 - Bulldog T1 XX543 G-UWAS - Re-spar and first installation of G-fatigue resolve spar mod
2020 - DHC-1Chipmunk T10 WK518 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2020 - Bulldog T1 XX658 G-SMAT - Re-spar and installation of G-fatigue resolve spar mod
2022 - Grumman FM2 Wildcat AX733 G-KINL - Major Overhaul
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1993 - Bristol Blenheim IV G-BPIV - Full Rebuild
1998 - Avro Anson T21 WD413 - Re-fabric & paint
2002 - Beech 3TM Expeditor 1164 G-BKGL- Major Overhaul
2011 - C-47A Dakota III ZA947 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
2014 - Bristol Blenheim IF L6739 G-BPIV - Major Overhaul
2015 - OV-10B Bronco 99+26 G-BZGL - Major Overhaul
2017 - Avro Lancaster BI PA474 - Major Overhaul ~ BBMF Maintenance Schedule
The Maintenance Facility
ARCo would be open to discuss the feasibility of working on any vintage aircraft with you, no matter the rarity of machine or scope of project. Our teams within both the restoration and maintenance hangars thrive on a challenge, especially when it comes to unique ‘last of a kind’ projects. From the worlds sole remaining Mk.I Bristol Blenheim, to the only flying British-built Westland Lysander… within these hangar walls, restoring, maintaining and operating the unusual, is business as usual.
Examples of the types of vintage aircraft we have maintained and/or operated over the years can be found by expanding the lists below. To make them a little easier to browse we have split them into three main categories based on engine arrangement. The lists aren’t limiting, rather just examples of some of the aircraft we have worked on in the past, so please don’t be put off getting in contact if you don’t find your project or flying aeroplane among the bunch. Even after all these years, we are still adding new types fairly frequently, and would be excited to discuss the feasibility of looking after any vintage flying machine.
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Auster variants
Avro 504
Boeing Stearman
Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann
Curtiss-Wright P-40 Kittyhawk
Curtis Pitts Special
deHavilland DH.85 Leopard Moth
deHavilland DH.80 Puss Moth
de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth
de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk
de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver
Fairey Firefly
Fieseler Fi 156 Storch
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Hawker Fury
Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Nimrod
Hawker Sea Fury
Hawker Typhoon
Hispano Aviación HA-1112 Buchón
Messerschmitt Bf108
Messerschmitt Bf109 E
Messerschmitt Bf109 G
Nord Pingouin
North American P-51 Mustang
North American T-6 Harvard
North American T-28 Trojan
North American NA-64 Yale
Pilatus P2
Piper Cub
Piper Super Cub
Stampe et Vertongen SV.4
Supermarine Seafire - various Marks
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk I
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk II
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk V
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk VIII
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk IX
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk XI
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Mk XVI
Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XIV
Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XVIII
Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Mk XIX
Vought Corsair
Westland Lysander
Yakovlev Yak-52 / Yak-50
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Avro Lancaster
Beechcraft ‘Beech 18’
Bristol Blenheim
Consolidated PBY Catalina
de Havilland DH.104 Dove / Devon
Douglas A-26 Invader
Douglas DC3 Dakota
Focke-Wulf Fw 189
North American B25 Mitchell
Supermarine Walrus
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Aero L-39 Albatros
de Havilland Vampire
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
North American OV-10 Bronco
North American F-86 Sabre
Transportation Services
Over the years we have been fortunate enough to enjoy wonderful relationships with collectors and event organisers from all around the world. Fulfilling the needs of international clients has resulted in us developing a wealth of experience in specialised aircraft transportation via land, sea and air.
As with any international boarder crossing, it is not just the physical shipping that can be a daunting process, but also obtaining the necessary paperwork required to export / import something of this nature, especially in the case of an ex-military asset. Fortunately, we have also built a wealth of experience on this side of the logistics and are confident in our ability to source export licenses and HSE classification coding for vintage aircraft / warbird movements.
Over the years we have shipped a variety of highly valuable aircraft to a number of countries. These include the United States of America, Bahrain, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and mainland Europe.
Examples of the types of vintage aircraft we have shipped to global locations can be found by expanding the lists below. We aren’t limited to the types listed here, rather they are examples of aircraft we have transported internationally in the past. If you have an aircraft shipment or retrieval mission you would like expert assistance with, then we’d be interested in hearing from you.
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Beech Staggerwing
Boeing Stearman
Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann
de Havilland Vampire
de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk
de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Fairy Battle
Fairy Firefly
Fieseler Storch
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Hawker Hurricane
Hispano Aviación HA-1112 Buchón
North American P-51 Mustang
North American T-6 Harvard
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Pilatus P2
RAF Bulldog
Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Variants
Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Variants
Vought Corsair
Westland Lysander
Yakovlev Yak-52 / Yak-50
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Avro York
Beechcraft ‘Beech 18’
Bristol Blenheim
Douglas DC3 Dakota
Focke-Wulf Fw 189
Heinkel HE 111 (CASA 2 111)
North American B-25 Mitchell
Cinema & Television
Over the years we have been involved with a variety of film work including big screen feature length movies as well as television / streaming provider series and documentaries. We can provide aircraft, pilots, aerial scene coordination as well as historical advice on authenticity and on camera rigging when working with unique vintage aircraft.
Film and broadcast titles we have provided pilots, aircraft (flying or static for set) or aerial coordination services to over the years include:
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BBC SAS Rogue Heroes - 2022 - Buchón as Bf109 for set design
James Bond No Time To Die - 2021 - Stunt pilot
Dunkirk - 2017 - Stunt pilot, selection of flying aircraft
Valkyrie - 2008 - Buchón as Bf109 and stunt pilot
Dark Blue World - 2001
Memphis Belle - 1990
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BBC’s The One Show - Multiple Features - Variety of flying aircraft and pilots
Guy Martin's Spitfire - 2014 - Twin Seat Spitfire and pilot - Spitfire Mk.Ia N3200 in restoration facility
Ewan McGregor’s ‘Bomber Boys’ - 2012 - Various aircraft and pilots
Colin & Ewan McGregor’s ‘Battle of Britain’ - 2010 - Twin Seat Spitfires and Pilots
Top Gear ‘Arriving in Style’ - 2008 - Twin Seat Spitfire and Pilot
Events & Airshows
Over the years the events landscape of the vintage aviation industry has changed dramatically. We remain passionate about displaying these wonderful flying machines with those of you who love to see them, and for that reason we will always support the airshow scene to the best of our ability. We have flown at all manner of shows, from small airfield displays right though to the largest flying events in the calendar. Our selection of aircraft is extremely unique and is backed up by one of the most experienced roster of pilots you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you are an airshow organiser, and haven’t yet received a brochure of aircraft we have available for this season, then please get in touch via the contact page to discuss what we can provide.
Unlike in years gone by, airshows are no longer alone in providing opportunities to see these beautiful machines up close. More and More we are finding ourselves taking aircraft to events not necessarily built around aviation but where a flypast, display or static aircraft can provide the perfect accompaniment to other goings on. Events such as the magnificent Goodwood Revival, picturesque Heveningham Concours and wildly energetic Malle Mile Festival are perfect examples of this. Every bit as important as airshows, it’s events such as these which show the world of vintage aircraft to new audiences, helping to capture the imagination of fresh demographics, and will hopefully in turn, help to preserve the fleets flying future.
So, if you are hosting an event of any kind, and think that something from our stable of aircraft here at Duxford Airfield could be the finishing touch, we’d love to hear from you to discuss the feasibility of making it happen.
