The Spitfire is the most famous British aircraft of all time. Although less numerous than the Hawker Hurricane, it is remembered as the sleek, thoroughbred fighting machine that turned the tide during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was among the fastest and most maneuverable prop-driven fighters of World War II, serving in virtually every combat theater.

Supermarine designer Reginald Mitchell created this small, graceful, elliptical-wing fighter with eight guns in the wings that were able to fire without being hindered by the propeller. The immortal Spitfire thus became not merely one of the best-performing fighters of all time, but also one of the best-looking. Although never employed as a long-range escort, the Spitfire was a champion in an air-to-air duel. Spitfires routinely dived at the speed of sound, faster than any of the German jets.

A carrier-based version, called the Seafire, was a winner in its own right, serving valiantly on convoy routes during World War II. The Seafire 47 was even used in the early stages of the Korean War, before it was replaced by more modern jet aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. I fighter that was piloted by Squadron Leader Henry Cozens who was attached to No.19 Squadron. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: December 2012

Historical Account: "First in Service" - 19 Squadron was the first to receive Spitfires which replaced their open cockpit, fixed undercarriage Gauntlets biplanes. For pilots, the Spitfire was a huge step forward in technology.

K9789 was the first and was flown by Squadron Leader Cozens on August 11th, 1938. At this time there were no training units or even manuals and pilots were provided with only basic instructions before making their first flights.

Orders were received to use K9789 for intensive trials and over 400 hours were flown by squadron pilots in a very short space of time and the findings reported. Various propeller types were used and it was found that the constant speed propeller was the best. As a result, all operational Spitfires were fitted with them before the start of the War. A bulged canopy was also recommended and adopted on future production aircraft along with other suggestions. K9789 survived the war but was scrapped in 1945.