LONDON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two British pilots set off Monday on a pioneering quest to circumnavigate the globe in an original WWII fighter aircraft.
The two intrepid aviators -- Matt Jones and Steve Brooks -- have left Goodwood Aerodrome in order to attempt to fly a Silver Spitfire around the world to cover a distance of 27,000 miles (about 43,500 km), taking in some of the most famous landmarks on the planet from the Grand Canyon in the West to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the East.
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries before, during and after World War II. The Spitfire was built in many variants, using several wing configurations, and was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. It was also the only British fighter to be in continuous production throughout the war.
The restored plane fought in World War II but has been de-militarized, stripped of its guns and paintwork to reveal the shining, silvery metal underneath.
The official record notes that this aircraft is MJ 271, veteran of more than 50 missions over enemy territory in the last two years of World War II.
The British Royal Air Force said in a statement that the Spitfire is a UK treasure and "an emblem of freedom across the globe."
"The Silver Spitfire expedition will hopefully promote the 'Best of British' worldwide showcasing the nation's heritage in engineering excellence and an aircraft that changed the course of history," said the statement.
