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.

This particular 1:32 scale replica of a Spitfire Mk. IX fighter was piloted by John Plagis,who was attached to No.126 Squadron, then deployed to RAF Bradwell Bay, England, during 1944. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 11.5 inches
Length: 11 inches

Release Date: May 2009

Historical Account: "Greek Tragedy" - John Agorastos Plagis was born in Rhodesia; his parents were both Greek. He joined the RAF in 1941 and in 1942 was part of a 16 Spitfire reinforcements for the beleaguered island of Malta, flying off from the carrier Eagle. In the following year while stationed on Malta, John Plagis shot down 9 enemy aircraft, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving with 249 and 185 squadrons. In 1943, he was promoted to Squadron Leader of 126 squadron flying operations over occupied France including on July 24th, 1944 shooting down another Bf 109.

During Operation Market Garden, his aircraft was shot down and he was wounded, returning to duty flying the Mustang, with his last mission to escort the Mosquitos whose mission was to destroy the headquarters of Gestapo in Denmark. He remained with the Royal Air Force until 1948, ending his flying carrier flying the Gloster Meteor. His total aerial victories stands at 16 and he was awarded the DFC, DSO and bar. It is believed that he committed suicide several years after the war.