Aircraft grounded over engine issues brings blow to summertime shows
Historic aircraft that make up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have been grounded due to an engine issue.
The display team, that performed at the RAF Cosford Air Show in June, said a Lancaster bomber, two Hurricanes and three Spitfire planes are all affected by the problem.
The BBMF has three other Spitfires with different engines which are currently unavailable for other reasons.
A spokesman for RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, where the unit is based, said safety was its key priority.
He confirmed an appearance at Weymouth Carnival had to be cancelled on Wednesday afternoon.
The BBMF has also cancelled its appearance at Eastbourne Airbourne. A Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Lancaster bomber were due to appear at the air show later.
Organisers are waiting to see if it will be able to appear on another day as the show runs until Sunday.
The RAF states the mission of the BBMF is "to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country, to promote the modern day air force and to inspire the future generations".
The aircraft can regularly be seen in the skies celebrating and commemorating public and military events.
The World War Two aircraft, which are all original models, have been grounded temporarily while an engine issue is checked.
The RAF spokesman was unable to say when the planes would be back in the skies.
The BBMF is home to one of only two airworthy Lancaster bombers anywhere in the world
One of the planes is the last remaining airworthy Spitfire which flew in the Battle of Britain, and the Lancaster is one of only two left flying in the world.
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 BBMF said.
It comes ahead of the first ever airshow at RAF Scampton, which is due to be held in early September and include planes from the BBMF.
In July, the Duke of Cambridge attended an air display marking 60 years of the BBMF.
Prince William, who is the flight's patron, also spoke to veterans at the event.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was formed on July 11, 1957, by Gp Capt Peter Thompson, a former Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot.
He set about collecting and preserving examples of the main aircraft involved in the conflict to honour the RAF's defence of the UK against German attacks at the end of 1940.
The BBMF has 12 historical aircraft, including a Lancaster - one of only two left flying in the world; the other is in Canada
It also has a Dakota, six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and two Chipmunks, which are used for training.
The flight has displayed at or flown past thousands of events as a tribute to those who have served in the RAF.
