Spitfire MV-459 as seen as displayed at Ambala Air Force Station.
The Warbird Discovery of the Year 2003 goes without doubt to the wreckage dug out of the Markanda riverbed in Haryana. When the reports of the recovery of the wreckage were first surfaced in February and March, We at Warbirds of India merely thought that this aircraft remains would be soon consigned to the dustbin / local scrap dealer – We are happy to say we have been proved wrong!.
On these pages we present the complete story on how Spitfire MV-459 was found, examined, restored and displayed in its complete glory!
Acknowledgements : We would like to thank the Indian Air Force, AOC Ambala, OC 41 R & SU and the IAF personnel who were involved in the recovery and restoration of MV459 for their cooperation and help in helping us put together this section. All Photographs of the restored Spitfire are copyright of Jagan Pillarisetti. The photographs of the Spitfire wreckage and the restoration process are provided by the Indian Air Force.
