A historic Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk. IXe is set to arrive at Točná Airport, marking the symbolic return of an aircraft closely tied to Czechoslovak aviation history. The arrival of this legendary fighter will form a key highlight of the airport’s 80th anniversary celebrations. The airplane was previously owned by the Seattle-based Historic Flight Foundation until 2023, when it was sold to an Australian collector. The airplane was recently sold by Platinum Fighter Sales to its new Czech owner.
The aircraft, originally built at the Vickers Supermarine plant at Castle Bromwich, England, was delivered to the Royal Air Force in June 1945 as SL633. It was soon assigned to No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, a unit originally formed at Duxford in 1940. Following WWII, it became one of 54 Spitfires transferred to the re-established Czechoslovak Air Force, where it served with No. 2 Czech Fighter Wing and later as a trainer with the 4th Air Regiment, carrying the fuselage code JT-10.
Among those who flew the aircraft was Flight Lieutenant Karel Pošta, a distinguished Czechoslovak RAF pilot. After escaping occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, he made his way to the United Kingdom and joined No. 312 Squadron in September 1940. Over the course of the war, he flew 281 operational sorties, including air defence over Britain, offensive sweeps across occupied Europe, and bomber escort missions over Germany. Promoted to Flight Commander in 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Pošta returned home and flew this aircraft in aerobatic displays before later settling in Britain.
The Spitfire’s postwar journey reflects the shifting realities of the late 1940s. In 1948, it was among the aircraft supplied by Czechoslovakia to the newly formed Israeli Air Force, where it served as serial 20-42 after conversion to a photo-reconnaissance role. It later passed to the Myanmar Air Force, where it operated in a counter-insurgency capacity. Following a wheels-up accident, the aircraft spent years on static display in Mandalay before being recovered by private collectors and returned to Duxford in 1999 for restoration.
The Historic Flight Foundation acquired the aircraft in 2007 and restored it to its 1945 configuration, returning it to the air in 2010. In 2015, it was disassembled over three days—with assistance from Spitfire specialists from Duxford—and shipped to the United Kingdom, where it participated in 11 Battle of Britain memorial events. It was subsequently returned to the United States and reassembled in just three days in early 2016. More recently, the aircraft underwent further restoration in Australia following minor damage sustained in 2023. Now registered as VH-RAF, it remains airworthy and is currently en route back to Europe—a journey expected to take approximately two months.
Its arrival at Točná represents more than the return of a historic aircraft. With identities including SL633 (RAF), DU-K and JT-10 (Czechoslovak Air Force), 20-42 (Israeli Air Force), and UB-425 (Myanmar Air Force), the Spitfire carries a uniquely international story. Yet its connection to Czechoslovak pilots gives this homecoming particular significance. “We see the return of a Spitfire with ties to Czechoslovak pilots as an extraordinary event not only for our airport, but also for all fans of aviation and history. We are especially pleased that this moment coincides with the 80th anniversary of Točná Airport,” said Michal Masař, PR Manager of Točná Airport.
The aircraft is expected to be presented to the public in the second half of this year, subject to transport and logistical considerations. Točná Airport will provide regular updates on the aircraft’s journey, preparation, and arrival through its social media channels, allowing enthusiasts to follow the return step by step. This year marks 80 years since the founding of Točná Airport. The anniversary program will include traditional open hangar days and a range of public events, with the arrival of the Spitfire set to be one of the season’s highlights. For more information about Točná Airport, visit www.tocna.cz.
