AIRFIX 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

AIRFIX A05135 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

 

PRODUCT INFO:
Continuing the wartime development of the famous Supermarine Spitfire, the Mk.XIV saw the classic shape of Mitchells celebrated fighter paired with the awesome power of the new Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The resultant aircraft was superb and one of the RAFs most capable fighters of WWII, proving particularly successful when employed against the V-1 flying bomb attacks which Germany launched against southern Britain, from the summer of 1944. As the only British fighter type to remain in production throughout WWII, the Spitfire was constantly developed to ensure it remained at the forefront of fighter performance, with the Griffon powered aircraft being around 80 mph faster than the original Mk.I machines. With the purr of the early Merlin engines replaced by the throaty growl of the mighty Griffon, these later developments appear to be much more capable versions of the fighter than the classic early Spitfires, even though they are basically a development of them.

Taking part in air operations in support of and in the months following the D-Day landings, the Mk.XIV was used extensively by the 2nd Tactical Air Force, equipping all 20 of the Spitfire Squadrons that operated from the continent in the months between D-Day and VE-Day. Employed predominantly in an armed reconnaissance role, these fearsome fighters would search for targets behind German lines, attempting to disrupt both their retreat and their ability to send reinforcements to the current front line. Their speed also made them an ideal aircraft to help counter the growing Doodlebug threat endured by southern Britain in the months following Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

TECH SPECS:
Item Scale: 1:48 Scale
Contents (whats in the box) sets: Sprues & decals
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 3
Flying Hours: 2
Length: 206mm
Width: 209mm
Pieces: 118