http://www.huffingto..._n_1973107.html

 

 

 

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar signed a

deal with a British aviation enthusiast to allow the excavation of a World War II treasure: dozens of Spitfire fighter planes reportedly buried by the British almost 70 years ago.

 

Aviation enthusiast David J. Cundall said earlier this year he had found the aircraft after years of searching and they were believed to be in excellent condition.

 

While details of their reported burial are obscure, Cundall has said they were shipped to the then-British colony called Burma near the end of the war and abandoned unused and in packing cases when they were not needed.

 

Aviation enthusiasts say only three dozen or so airworthy Spitfires still exist worldwide. The single-seat fighter planes were about 9.1 meters (30 feet) long with an 11.2-meter (37-foot) wingspan. The wings may not have been attached to the packed planes.

 

The British Embassy said Wednesday that the agreement was reached after discussions between Myanmar President Thein Sein and British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to Myanmar earlier this year.

 

The excavation is

to begin by the end of October.

 

 

....

....

 

"It took 16 years for Mr. David Cundall to locate the planes buried in crates. We estimate that there are at least 60 Spitfires buried and they are in good condition," Htoo Htoo Zaw said.

"This will be the largest number of Spitfires in the world," he said. "We want to let people see those historic fighters, and the excavation of these fighter planes will further strengthen relations between Myanmar and Britain."

Amazing they were buried to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, however following WW2 that type of aircraft become obsolete so quickly it wouldn't have mattered anyhow.

 

Great discovery at this day and age, a true treasure hunt.

This is great news!

 

Thanks for the link!

The level of awesome this is, can not be measured, or said, without brain damage.