Hurricane R4118

In 1982, when he was travelling in India, the author stumbled on the remains of a British plane - a Hurricane Mark 1, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. It was in a dreadful state. Could he restore it? Would it fly again? Not until 14 years later did he decide to act and after six years of wrangling he got the icon home.

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In 1982, when he was travelling in India, Peter Vacher stumbled on the remains of a British plane - a Hurricane Mark 1, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. It was in a dreadful state. Could he restore it? Would it fly again? Not until 14 years later did he decide to act and after six years of wrangling he got the icon home. Then the truly difficult process of restoration began - a worldwide search for parts, careful reconstruction, flight testing - until in 2005 it flew again to the delight of thousands of enthusiasts. Along the way Peter reunited three auspicious veterans - Peter Thompson, Bunny Currant and Bob Foster - with R4118, men who had flown her during the war. To this date the aircraft's grace and splendour in flight is enjoyed by crowds across the UK.