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. IIA fighter that was piloted by American Ace William R.Dunn, who was attached to 71 'Eagle' Squadron, then deployed to North Weald, England, during 1941. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-inches
Length: 4-1/2-inches

Release Date: February 2013

Historical Account: "Live Long and Prosper" - XL427 was completed in September 1962 before being equipped to carry the Blue Steel stand-off nuclear missile and put on strength with 83 Squadron. After several years of operation with 83 Squadron, XL427 was transferred to the Scampton wing and 617 Squadron in 1969.

This model represents the aircraft during its first spell with 617 Squadron, the famous "Dambusters", in 1969, and is depicted carrying a Blue Steel missile and proudly displaying the triple lightning bolts of 617 Squadron's crest on the tailfin.

XL427 was to go on to have a somewhat nomadic career, serving variously with 27, 9, 50, 44 and 230 (OCU) Squadrons before finally being delivered to Macrihanish for crash rescue training in 1982. The aircraft lingered on a little longer, finally being removed from the RAF's books as destroyed in 1986, a sad end for such a fine aircraft.