Supermarine spitfire Tr.9 MJ772 will return to Europe in November after 36 years in the USA. It will be overhauled by Meier Motors at Bremgarten, near Freiburg, before delivery to a German owner. The machine had been on display with the Experimental Aircraft Association at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, above, since 2004.

Built as an LF.IX at Castle Bromwich at the end of 1943, MJ772 flew 50 ops. In 1950 it was converted to two-seat Tr.9 configuration, and operated by the Irish Air Corps during 1951–60. On July 8 ,1968, while being flown during production of the Battle Of Britain film, it made a belly-landing at Little Staughton, Beds. In 1974 it was sold to Doug Champlin in Mesa, Arizona, and the rear cockpit was deleted. It will be now be refitted.