They are the living symbols of the nation’s finest hour – the magnificent aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
But keeping these venerable Spitfires, Hurricanes and other historic Second World War machines in the air is taking an increasing toll in repairs and cost.
The maintenance bill for the 12 aircraft, which includes a 1945 Lancaster bomber, will top £100 million over the next ten years, this newspaper can reveal.
That is partly because original spare parts for the planes are extremely difficult to obtain, with some being made from scratch.
However, leading politicians said last night that no matter what the cost, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight must keep flying.
Nigel Farage said: ‘You can’t put a price on these planes – they’re such an important part of our history, our heritage, our culture.’
The Reform UK leader revealed that some parts are being made at the Biggin Hill airbase in South-East London close to where he grew up. The base saw some of the fiercest fighting in the 1940 aerial duel with Hitler’s Luftwaffe.
Over £100million will need to be raised to maintain 12 magnificent aircraft that helped see off Hitlers Luftwaffe
The cost of preserving the planes is so high in part due to the scarcity of parts, some of which have to be made from scratch
‘High-class engineers are making parts for 1940s airplanes – it’s quite extraordinary,’ Mr Farage added. ‘But then, these planes are beloved by all generations. The sound of the Spitfire Merlin engine turns heads still.’
The Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, includes two Hurricanes and six Spitfires, including one involved in a crash in May this year in which pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed.
Ministry of Defence sources made clear that the future maintenance costs were not related to that accident.
The biggest single item in the maintenance programme up to 2035 is £54 million earmarked for engine repairs, including specially made new parts.
A further £8.5 million is set aside for the Flight’s Lancaster bomber and £4.2 million for a 1943 Dakota.
The Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, includes two Hurricanes and six Spitfires
An MoD spokesman said: ‘The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight maintains the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country.
‘This includes the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane fighters and the Lancaster bomber, which helped us win the Battle of Britain and the Second World War.
‘This funding helps maintain these icons so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy seeing them fly.’