The Supermarine SpitfireThe Supermarine Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other British combat aircraft before or since World War Two, and with some 20,400 Spitfires built in 22 different variants (excluding the navalisedSeafire) the aircraft remained in production for just over 12 years.The prototype's maiden flight took place on 5th March 1936 and Mk1 Spitfires entered RAF service (with 19(F) Squadron) at Duxford, England in August 1938.The development potential of the original design allowed the Spitfire toestablish and then maintain the air superiority so vital to the defenceof Britain, comfortably keeping pace with the improvements in performance of enemy fighters throughout WWII.
Spitfires fought in every operational theatre of the War and remained inRAF front-line service up to 1954. At the end of its development the Spitfire carried an engine producing more than twice the power of the original. Its maximum take-off weight and rate of climb had more than doubled, its firepower had increased by a factor of five, and its maximum speed had been increased by a third; all this in essentially thesame airframe.The Spitfire played a major part in achieving ultimate victory in WW2, and as such it truly deserves its place in history as one of the most successful fighters of that era. With its distinctive elliptical wing and glorious Roll Royce engine sound it remains to this day one of the most beautiful looking fighter aircraft of all time!
The Supermarine Spitfire is an icon of British grit and determination. Its fluid lines seem to blend art with aerodynamics. ParkZone has brilliantly captured the power and grace of the Spitfire with this remarkably scale, brushless Mk IX replica. The Mk IX was developed by Supermarine in 1942 to counter the threat posed by the Focke Wulf 190. It also has the distinction of being the first Allied warplane to shoot down an Me-262 jet.
For Optional Retracts