BBMF Merlin Engine Fighters cleared to fly Again in 2025
RAF Coningsby, UK – The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is gearing up for a triumphant return to the skies in 2025, with its iconic Merlin engine fighters cleared to take flight once again after a difficult period. Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the BBMF has long served as a living tribute to Britain’s wartime aviation heritage, preserving and showcasing historic aircraft that played a pivotal role during the Second World War. The past year, however, tested the resilience of the BBMF team, with a tragic loss, extensive maintenance schedules, and the grounding of its Merlin engine fighters casting a shadow over the 2024 season. Now, with an official announcement signalling a brighter future, aviation enthusiasts across the UK and beyond are eagerly anticipating the return of these legendary aircraft in 2025.
The BBMF recently shared the much-anticipated news in an official statement: "The BBMF are pleased to announce we will be flying our Merlin engine fighters this Display Season. Alongside our Lancaster, and after the return of our Dakota from the extended planned maintenance, all aircraft types will be flying again this year. We look forward to seeing you around the country and having a great Display Season celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ Day." This declaration marks a significant turning point for the flight, promising a full complement of aircraft for the upcoming season and a chance to honour key wartime anniversaries with the grandeur these historic planes deserve.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Dakota, 3x Spitfire & 2x Hurricane
The Merlin engine fighters, which include the Spitfire and Hurricane—two of the most celebrated aircraft of the Battle of Britain—were sidelined for much of the 2024 season following a devastating incident that occurred on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Squadron Leader Mark Long, a highly skilled and respected pilot who was set to take over as commander of the BBMF, tragically lost his life when his Spitfire crashed near RAF Coningsby. The accident was a profound loss not only for the BBMF but for the entire aviation community, where Long was admired for his expertise and passion for historic aircraft. His death sent shockwaves through those who knew him and those who followed the BBMF’s work, prompting an outpouring of tributes and condolences. In the aftermath, the flight took decisive action to suspend operations of its Merlin engine fighters, and conduct an investigation into what happened and to ensure such a tragedy would not be repeated.
The challenges of 2024 extended beyond the Merlin engine fighters. The BBMF’s Avro Lancaster, one of only two airworthy Lancasters remaining in the world, was the only aircraft from the fleet to fly last year—but even it was grounded for half the season due to undergoing extensive maintenance. This iconic bomber, a centrepiece of the BBMF’s displays, draws huge crowds with its deep, resonant roar and historical significance, so its limited availability was keenly felt. Meanwhile, the BBMF’s Douglas Dakota ZA947 was absent entirely from the skies in 2024, as it was undergoing a major servicing program at Duxford.
Adding to the difficulties, the BBMF’s Griffon-powered Spitfire PR Mk XIX PM631 was also sidelined for much of the year due to a major maintenance program. This particular Spitfire, a photoreconnaissance variant, only returned to flight on Thursday, October 3, 2024, marking a very late and limited appearance in the season. The convergence of these maintenance schedules, combined with the loss of Squadron Leader Long and the grounding of the Merlin engine fighters, made 2024 an exceptionally hard year for the BBMF. The team’s usual presence at air shows and public events was noticeably diminished, leaving many fans disappointed but understanding of the circumstances.
Despite these adversities, the BBMF has turned its focus toward recovery and renewal. The completion of the Dakota’s servicing at Duxford means it will rejoin the fleet in 2025, bolstering the lineup. The Lancaster, too, has emerged from its extensive maintenance and is ready to take to the skies once more. The successful return of Spitfire PM631 in late 2024 offers further evidence that the BBMF is regaining its footing. With the Merlin engine fighters now cleared to fly, the stage is set for a full-strength display season in 2025, a prospect that has the team and its supporters buzzing with excitement.
The 2025 season carries added weight, as it coincides with significant historical milestones. The year marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the critical 1940 campaign that saw the Royal Air Force fend off the Luftwaffe and prevent a German invasion of the UK. It also commemorates the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, which marked the end of hostilities in Europe and the Pacific, respectively. The BBMF’s aircraft—many of which saw action during these pivotal moments—will serve as powerful reminders of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, bringing history to life for new generations.
As preparations for the upcoming season ramp up, the memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long remains a poignant undercurrent. His dedication to the BBMF’s mission and his skill as a pilot left a lasting legacy, and his loss continues to resonate deeply. The return of the Merlin engine fighters in 2025 will, in many ways, honor his contributions, ensuring that the aircraft he loved and flew so masterfully continue to inspire awe and reverence.
Looking ahead, the BBMF is poised to reclaim its place as a highlight of the UK’s air show circuit and a cherished symbol of national heritage. After a year defined by hardship, the promise of a busy and vibrant 2025 season offers a beacon of hope. With the Merlin engine fighters soaring alongside the Lancaster, Dakota, and Spitfire PM631, the skies will once again reverberate with the sound of history in motion—a testament to the resilience of the BBMF team and the enduring legacy of Britain’s wartime aviation.
