Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50123
Supermarine Spitfire Mk V Diecast Model
RAF No.249 Sqn |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk V | | 5" | | 6.25" |
An excellent release, this mighty Spitfire showcases one of the aircraft that brilliantly led the defense of Malta in 1942.
British submarines and planes operating from the island fortress of Malta had sent thousands of tons of Axis ships to the bottom of the Mediterranean. Axis air forces were employed to neutralize the island's defences to make way for an invasion under the code name Operation HERKULES. The Axis aerial attacks reached severe levels after 21 March 1942. Outnumbered and short of supplies, the island's British defenders clung on, with a series of deliveries of new Spitfires coming at critical times. In the end it was the Spitfires who saved the day and turned the tide, with the German offensive faltering after mid-May. In total, 500 Axis planes were destroyed or severely damaged, most of these accounted for by the remarkable Spitfire.
The Supermarine Spitfire was a single seat fighter used by the RAF and many Allied countries in World War II. It saw service during the whole of World War II, in all theatres of war, and in many different variants. More than 20,300 of all variants were built, and Spitfires remained in service well into the 1950s. In total there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants within each mark. Late in 1940 the Mk. II started meeting a new German aircraft in combat. Essentially a cleaned up version of the Bf 109E that Spitfires and Hurricanes had bested the year before in the Battle of Britain, the new Franz (Friedrich) model was superior to the Mk. II Spitfire in many respects. The Mk. V was nothing more than a Mk. II with the newer Merlin 45 series engine. This engine delivered slightly more takeoff power at 1,440 hp (1074 kW), but greatly increased the power available at higher altitudes due to a new two-speed supercharger design. While it was no Mk. IV, the Mk. V was able to hold its own with the 109Fs it was meeting. The Mk. V proved so useful that it would go on to be the most produced version by far, with 94 Mk. VAs (eight-gun), 3,923 Mk. VBs (cannon) and 2,447 Mk.VCs
Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
