Spitfire FR IX RAF, MK716 coded "X", No 16 Sqn., Normandy, Sept 1944,

Product description

Metal model aircraft in high-quality version with authentic printing according to the original. Contains a stand.

Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic.Professionally painted.All markings pad applied for superb results.Canopy slides open.Comes with a pilot that can be removed.Comes with display stand.Landing gear is fully retractable and can be displayed up or down.Propeller is metal.Extremely sought after by collectors.

The Mk. IX replaced the Mk. V in June 1942 and on September 12, 1942 a Mk. IX brought down a Ju-86R flying at 43,000 feet. Another major achievement of the Mk. IX took place on October 5, 1944 when 401 Squadron became the first allied aircraft to shoot down an Me-262 jet. Even with the arrival of the Griffon powered Mk. XIV the Mk. IX continued in service until the end of WWII. There were 5,665 Mk. IX Spitfires and its variants produced.

In an effort to spy on German forces the RAF gave some aircraft special paint colors in an attempt to camouflage them. The PRU (Photographic Reconnaissance Unit) used a very dark blue for night missions and a very pale pink for dusk, dawn and cloudy day missions. Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk. IX MK716 from No. 16 Squadron was one of only 15 Mk. IX Spitfires converted to the pale pink scheme. These aircraft retained their wing guns and first appeared in November 1942.