Spitfire restoration hangar commences

Breaking News! The Spitfire is getting its own hangar!

The new restoration workshop/ hangar structure at AFB Swartkop. The photo was taken on the 26th of February 2022.

It is with great excitement that the Spitfire Project’s Steering Committee provide the following update on the Spitfire Restoration Project.

For the restoration to proceed, a new workshop and restoration hangar is required. On Saturday 26th February 2022, the erection of the new workshop and hangar commenced. This will remain a memorable day in the restoration of the SAAF Museum’s Spitfire 5518. The structure is being erected in phases, as funding becomes available. This first phase includes the erection of the steel structure and a significant part of the roof covering and will be completed by the end of March.

The Steering Committee wishes to acknowledge the tireless effort, work, dedication and commitment of Col Tony and Shirlee Smit in overseeing this Project. Tony was the second Officer Commanding of the SAAF Museum and was responsible for returning a large number of Museum aircraft to flying status. He and his wife were leaders in initiating the Project. The entire aviation community is grateful and indebted to them both, for their commitment to preserving our aviation heritage.