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 1:48 scale replica of a RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX fighter, known as the "Russian Spitfire", then being shown in England during 2020. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 9-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: February 2023

Historical Account: "The Russian Spitfire" - Affectionately known as the "Russian Spitfire" due to her combat heritage flying with the Soviet Air Force during WWII, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX PT879 has completed her flight testing following a long-term restoration effort. Following a number of successful engine runs on October 26th, 2020, at Biggin Hill, near London, England, she then underwent preparations for final CAA inspections and the issue of her all-important "permit to test" approvals which took place soon after. The momentous occasion of her first flight took place in the morning of October 28th, 2020, when she went up for a 25 minute hop, thus marking her first foray into the blue in 75 years.