The Supermarine Spitfire is arguably the most famous British fighter of World War II. It was an all-metal aircraft with a low-mounted wing, distinctive elliptical wings, a classic tail configuration, and retractable landing gear. The prototype’s maiden flight took place on March 5, 1936. The Spitfire became the Royal Air Force’s primary fighter during the war, and it remained in service throughout the conflict, staying in production for 10 years. The Spitfire’s story began on the drawing board of R. J. Mitchell, Supermarine’s chief designer. The first aircraft were delivered to Royal Air Force units in 1938, but by the time the Battle of Britain began in the summer of 1940, there were already 19 modern fighter squadrons at airfields—together with the slightly older Hurricanes, 600 aircraft defended the British Isles. As the war progressed, the Spitfire served wherever the Royal Air Force operated—in the Far East, North Africa, and Italy; during the Normandy landings and the battles in France; and, finally, during the campaign in Germany in 1945. For many Britons, it became a symbol of victory in World War II. There are no fewer than a dozen production versions of this magnificent aircraft. Among them are the most significant ones. The first production Spitfire Mk.I was equipped with a Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine producing 1,030 hp. Above all, this aircraft made such a remarkable contribution to the Battle of Britain. Numerous versions of this model were developed, including the PR Mk IA (reconnaissance variant) and the PR.IG (armed reconnaissance variant). Another interesting version was the Spitfire Mk.V with a 1,440-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 engine. Later, Merlin 50 engines were also installed. Serial production of this version began in 1941 and served as the RAF’s response to the emergence of the Messerschmitt Bf-109F. Another highly successful version was the Spitfire Mk.IX, equipped with a Merlin 61 engine and a four-bladed propeller. It was developed as a counter to the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 and entered production in late 1941. This version underwent numerous modifications; for example, in 1944 it received a new gyroscopic sight, an enlarged rudder, and a different wing configuration. Another important version was the Spitfire Mk.XIV, powered by a Rolls-Royce Griffon 61 engine and equipped with a five-bladed propeller. Mass production began in October 1943. One of the last production versions was the Mk.21. This version featured a Griffon 61 engine, a significantly reinforced structure and skin, and extended wings, increasing their wing area. Serial production began in March 1945. Technical specifications (Mk.XIV version): length: 9.14 m, wingspan: 11.23 m, height: 3.05 m, maximum speed: 717 km/h, climb rate: 18.5 m/s, service ceiling: 13,200 m, maximum range: 1,815 km, armament: fixed – 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns and 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons, external – up to 225 kg of bombs.
Glue and paint are not included in the set
