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Airfix: Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 in 1:48
Price
35,99€
- Availability:
- In Stock
- Product Code:
- AIRF-A05143
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The Supermarine Spitfire is perhaps the most famous British fighter from the Second World War. It was an all-metal machine with a low-wing configuration, characteristic elliptical wings, a classic tail and a retractable landing gear. The prototype flight took place on 5 March 1936. The Spitfire proved to be a staple of the RAF's war effort, which continued to do well after the war, remaining in production for 10 years. The Spitfire's story began in the design office of RJ Mitchell, Supermarine's chief designer. The first machines went to RAF units in 1938, but by the time the Battle of Britain began in the summer of 1940, there were already 19 squadrons of modern fighters on the airfields - together with the slightly older Hurricanes of the islands, 600 aircraft were defending. As hostilities expanded, the Spitfire served wherever the RAF operated in the Far East, North Africa and Italy, during the Normandy landings and the battles in France and finally during the operation in Germany in 1945. For many Britons it became a symbol of victory in World War II. This magnificent machine has at least a dozen production versions. The most important of these are, among others, the first mass-produced Spitfire Mk.I with a 1030hp Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine. It was above all this machine that made such an outstanding contribution to the Battle of Britain. Many versions of this model have been developed, including the PR Mk IA (reconnaissance version) or PR.IG (armed reconnaissance version). Another interesting version was the Spitfire Mk.V with a Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 engine with 1440HP. Later, Merlin 50 engines were also fitted. Serial production of this version began in 1941 and was the RAF's response to the appearance of the Messerschmitt Bf-109F. Another very successful version is the Spitfire Mk.IX, powered by a Merlin 61 engine with a 4-blade propeller. It was created as a rival to the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 and entered production in late 1941. This version was modified several times and, for example, in 1944 it acquired a new gyroscope, an enlarged rudder or a different wing system. Another important version is the Spitfire Mk.XIV with a Rolls-Royce Griffon 61 engine and a five-blade propeller. Serial production began in October 1943. One of the last series produced was the Mk.21 version. This version had a Griffon 61 engine, a heavily reinforced structure and hull, the wings were extended, increasing their flight surface. Mass production began in March 1945. Technical data (Mk.XIV version): length: 9.14 m, wingspan: 11.23 m, height: 3.05 m, maximum speed: 717 km/h, rate of climb: 18.5 m/s, practical ceiling: 13,200 m, maximum range: 1,815 km, armament: fixed - 4 7.7 mm machine guns and 2 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons, suspended - up to 225 kg of bombs.