As many are aware, the Hawker Typhoon is one of the rarest production fighter aircraft from WWII, with only a single complete example known to be preserved today. We’ve been tracking the progress of this restoration for several years, and you can access our previous articles through this link. The Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group is diligently working to change this by undertaking the reconstruction of Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib RB396, starting with the original rear fuselage of the aircraft. Sam Worthington-Leese, who is leading this project, has provided the following update on its current status.
The first significant stage in the reconstruction of RB396—the rear fuselage—is nearly complete. This marks a major milestone for the project and demonstrates that, with continued support, the goal is within reach. The team extends their gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this progress possible. Over the past few months, several supporters have had the opportunity to witness the rebuild firsthand at Airframes Assemblies (AA) on the Isle of Wight, with the most recent visit occurring in early July. At that time, the bottom skin had been riveted to the frames on the jig, and the second skin was in the process of being attached. Considerable progress has been made since then, as shown in the accompanying images.
Only a few tasks remain to be completed, some of which will be deferred to a later stage. One of these tasks is the integration of the tubes and structure that will connect to the cockpit. The original type of steel tubing is no longer available, and because the aircraft is being restored to flight condition, a design modification must be approved before these parts can be fabricated. AA will complete these structures, but the fitting will be handled by the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo) when the cockpit is ready. ARCo will also install the canopy slots and rails onto the fuselage, using a kit provided by AA. This will allow ARCo to adjust the positions as needed to align with the cockpit rails. Notably, no drawings for these fuselage parts exist, so the project has used parts from the Hawker Tempest fuselage, which is part of their inventory, as a pattern since the components are identical.
Another piece yet to be completed is the telescopic footrest/step. Initially, there was uncertainty about how this part operated and what needed to be manufactured, but this issue has been resolved thanks to multiple visits by volunteer team member Andrew to the Hawker Typhoon MN235 at the RAF Museum in Hendon. The project is very grateful to the RAFM team for granting access to MN235, which provided the necessary information. The step will be finished and fitted to the fuselage shortly.
The original cost estimate for the rear fuselage was £400,000. The current expenditure stands at £475,000, with a few invoices still outstanding for the remaining work. The total cost for this section is expected to be around £500,000. While some challenges were encountered along the way, additional elements not included in the original scope of the rear fuselage build have now been completed. These costs do not include the time and effort contributed by the Group’s volunteer team members, particularly Andrew, whose technical expertise has been invaluable, as well as all those who keep the project and the charity running smoothly. Without their contributions, the costs would likely have been approximately £100,000 higher.
These expenses have been covered entirely by supporters and other charitable activities. The project currently has no large-scale corporate backing or sponsorship. This accomplishment demonstrates what can be achieved when a large group of people come together, each contributing what they can to achieve a common goal. It has not been easy, but it has been done. Those interested in joining the supporters can visit the “support us” section of the project’s website.
When RB396’s rear fuselage was sent to Airframes Assemblies (AA) in May 2019, no one could have predicted the global events that were soon to unfold. The project faced two years of challenges due to COVID-19, lockdowns, and just as the world began to recover, the crisis in Ukraine emerged, followed by the ongoing cost of living issues. These combined factors caused the rebuild to be paused in late 2021. However, after considerable efforts by the team to secure the necessary funds, the project resumed just before Christmas 2023. Now, the rear fuselage is in its final weeks before completion, marking a significant milestone.
The fuselage rebuild has been a remarkable success, with a substantial amount of original material being incorporated. Approximately 80% of the structure consists of original material, making RB396 a genuine rebuild. The rear fuselage is the original surviving section of RB396, and the port side’s original skins, preserved for their historical significance, still bear the aircraft’s identity with its original paint. The paint clearly displays its squadron markings, “XP,” its letter, “W,” and its serial number, “RB396.” This is why the rear fuselage was chosen as the first section to be rebuilt; it forms the foundation and identity of the entire project.
Gratitude is extended to everyone, past and present, who has supported the project and helped it reach this point. The focus of fundraising now shifts entirely to the next section, the cockpit, which is not yet fully funded. Support is needed to ensure that work on the cockpit can commence, continue, and be completed.
To support this restoration, click HERE.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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