Spitfire simulator
Experience the thrill of flight without leaving the ground in the world’s only Spitfire simulator built from real parts.
Your mission
Spitfire simulator sessions give you an amazing insight into the skill and workload involved in piloting such an incredible warbird. With so much power in the 27 litre Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the speed she’s capable of, just keeping her flying straight and level is a challenge in itself!
During your session you’ll learn the basics of flying and might even take your first foray into aerobatics. Will you be returning to base to perform a Victory Roll?
Your flight will involve:
- A brief introduction to instruments and controls
- A brief introduction to handling
- Starting in the air
- Basic handling and effects of controls
- Power adjustments
- Thrilling aerobatics
- An attempt at landing
- If time permits, an attempt at take-off
Discover the Spitfire Mk IX simulator experience
Experience realistic Spitfire flight using authentic controls, true-to-life motion and the same flight procedures real Spitfire pilots follow today.
The world’s only 100% original cockpit Spitfire simulator
Spitfire flight experience without leaving the ground
Learn actual flight procedures from take off to landing
The aircraft – MK392 (JE-J)
For this mission, you’ll be piloting the Spitfire of Air Vice Marshall James Adgar ‘Johnnie’ Johnson. The simulator fuselage has been painted to replicate Johnnie’s Mk IX Spitfire – MK392. This aircraft bore Johnnie’s initials on the side, JE-J, a privilege given to Wing Leaders during the war and the black and white D-Day stripes.
The LF Mk IX – MK392 was Johnnie’s second Spitfire, in which he claimed 12 individual victories against enemy aircraft and one shared victory. He even scored his last victory of the war in September 1944 while piloting this aircraft – so you have some big shoes to fill!
The flight will be tailored to your requirements. But you can expect to practice basic flying maneuvers, a victory roll, a landing, and possibly even take-off and landing!
Simulator Booking
Simulator – 30 minutes
INCLUDES:
30 minute slot in the simulator
Roughly 20 minutes airborne
One guest to accompany you to watch
Expect to be at the Academy for 60 minutes in total
RESTRICTIONS:
Not heavier than 110kgs
Not above 193cm tall
£275
Simulator – 60 minutes
INCLUDES:
60 minute slot in the simulator
Roughly 50 minutes airborne
One guest to accompany you to watch
Expect to be at the Academy for 90 minutes in total
RESTRICTIONS:
Not heavier than 110kgs
Not above 193cm tall
£500
About the Spitfire simulator
The simulator has 3 key components that make your experience so authentic. It’s not the closest thing to flying a real Spitfire – it IS flying a real Spitfire.
A real fuselage
Roughly 50% of the simulator’s fuselage is built from wartime parts, with 40% from parts that didn’t meet standards for restored aircraft and 10% made specifically for the simulator. This commitment to authenticity means the Spitfire simulator cockpit is indistinguishable from the real thing – even to a wartime or modern Spitfire pilot (many of whom are trained using it)!
Immersive visual and sound system
A 220-degree fibreglass dome surrounds the cockpit, with seven seamless projectors creating a lifelike view of the skies and ground below. The wings and nose are projected to true scale, with flaps and ailerons that move realistically. And through your headset, the roar of the Merlin engine completes your experience.
Realistic motion and feedback systems
Pitch-axis motion and force feedback systems bring the Spitfire simulator to life. You’ll feel every runway bump, engine vibration and patch of turbulence. The controls even tighten with speed and movement just like the real aircraft, creating a convincing and fully immersive Spitfire flight experience.
Simulator Gallery
The photos below show different angles of our Spitfire MkIX Simulator that show the cockpit’s exact replication of the aircraft itself.
Spitfire simulator FAQs
Will I learn real flight procedures?
Can I use the simulator if I have limited mobility?
How realistic is the Spitfire simulator experience?
Can children take part in the simulator experience?
Do I need flying experience to use the Spitfire simulator?