Most Of Historic Aircraft Fleet Are Grounded

Almost the whole fleet of planes that make up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have been grounded due to an engine issue.

Reportedly a Lancaster bomber, two Hurricanes and three Spitfires have been deemed unsafe to fly after the discovery of a technical defect.

The aircraft, operated by the RAF, are some of Britain's most famous planes and regularly perform displays at air shows up and down the country.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights Mission

The memorial flight, which are all original models, are some of the last Second World War planes to still fly today.

The flight's mission is to maintain and fly historic RAF bombers and fighters, to provide members of the public with the sight and sound of a by gone age and to stay a "living and breathing tribute" to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is known as a "museum without walls."

Along with air shows, they also attend high-profile British state events such as Trooping the Colour and the Queen’s birthday. 

The RAF believe:

"The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is a source of national pride".

A spokesman for the BBMF told the BBC the problem is "related to the Merlin engine", which powers aircraft including the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane, but "affects all current and serviceable display aircraft".

The RAF spokesman was unable to say when the flight would be back in the skies.