Spitfire AA810 Restoration are pleased to announce the generous support of Robert Stuart Ltd of Harlow who will be assisting the project with ongoing Non-Destructive Testing and surface treatment services of both our recovered original components as well as new manufacture machine fittings. As we continue to recover parts from the wreck of AA810, NDT inspections are critical for the safe restoration of Sandy’s Spitfire. Robert Stuart Ltd, who provide such services to major manufacturers, will be bringing their 77 years of aerospace experience to our project.
Speaking of the recent agreement, Spitfire AA810 Restoration Director Tony Hoskins said: “Being able to establish the complete integrity of the original parts we are reusing from Sandy’s Spitfire is essential as we progress the restoration. In period, wartime parts were not subject to the level of scrutiny we accept as standard today and, therefore, it is vital that we establish that the quality of the items we use going forwards will be good for 80 more years at least. Being able to work with experts in the field of inspection and surface treatments as part of the restoration effort ensures the highest level of confidence in all the components within AA810 when it flies.”
As well as NDT services, Spitfire AA810 will be using both cadmium and anodising services for our original and newly manufactured steel and aluminium parts to both conserve and preserve Sandy’s Spitfire in the best way possible for future generations against the rigours of our maritime environment. Robert Stuart Ltd has also recently made a significant investment into the business which has seen the installation of state-of-the-art spraying facilities that will enable the perfect external surface etching of the major sub-assemblies of Sandy’s Spitfire, protecting the aircraft’s skin during the remainder of the restoration process.