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How close can a modern reproduction come to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire from World War II? And what does preserving and flying these aircraft reveal about aviation engineering, military history and innovation?
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Keith Russell, owner and pilot of the Whitsunday Spitfire, a 90 per cent scale reproduction of the iconic World War II Mk26B Spitfire aircraft.
Formerly known as the Port Hedland Spitfire and White Gum Spitfire, Russell’s aircraft recently appeared at Warbirds Over Scone 2026 in NSW and Warbirds Over Wānaka in New Zealand.
Russell is also the former owner of Golden Eagle Airlines, a regional airline previously operating out of Derby, Western Australia, and has spent decades immersed in aviation operations and historic aircraft.
Drawing on his experiences flying both reproduction and original wartime Spitfires, including a two-seat Spitfire flight at Duxford in 2005, Russell discusses the engineering, handling and passion behind operating one of the world’s most recognisable fighter aircraft.
The podcast conversation includes the following topics:
- How the reproduction Spitfire compares to original wartime aircraft in handling, flight dynamics and pilot experience.
- The engineering evolution of the aircraft, including modern modifications, experimental aviation regulations and replica aircraft manufacturing.
- The strong international warbird community and the passion driving private ownership of historic military aircraft.
- Operational realities of flying tailwheel aircraft, aerobatics and maintaining aviation discipline and safety.
- Paint schemes, restoration authenticity and the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with personal customisation.
- The role of innovation in aviation, from handcrafted aircraft design through to CNC manufacturing and experimental engineering.
Finally, the discussion explores the nature of warfare with older aircraft making a return to defeat drones and autonomous systems during the conflict in Ukraine.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team
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