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 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. II fighter that participated in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-inches
Length: 4-1/2-inches

Release Date: January 2011

Historical Account: "The Battle of Britain" - P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world. Believed to be the 14th aircraft built at Castle Bromwich, it entered service in August 1940, and flew in the Battle of Britain with 266 Squadron and 603 AuxAF Sqn. P7350 subsequently served with 616 and 64 Squadrons but in 1942 was relegated to support duties and survived the war. In 1948, it was sold for scrap but fortunately the historical significance of the aircraft was recognized and it was presented to the RAF museum at Colerne.

Restored to flying condition in 1968 for the film The Battle of Britain", it was presented to the BBMF after filming was completed. P7350 currently appears in the colors of Spitfire Ia, K9998 of 92 Squadron, the aircraft in which Flt Lt Geoffrey Wellum DFC shot down his first Heinkel 111.