1/24 Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII Plastic Model Kit A17002

1/24 Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII Plastic Model Kit A17002

Build an authentic replica of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII, regarded by many pilots as the best-flying Spitfire variant of World War II, with this impressive 1/24 scale model kit from Airfix. This expert-level super-kit features 452 parts with newly tooled components including upper and lower wing surfaces, short-span ailerons, retractable tailwheel, and revised instrument panel for accurate Mk.VIII representation.

Product Features:

• Scale: 1/24 - Large display scale for maximum detail
• Parts count: 452 pieces including new Mk.VIII-specific parts
• Skill level: Expert (Level 4)
• Build time: Approximately 4 hours
• Dimensions: 402MM length x 469MM wingspan x 160MM height when completed
• New tooled parts for Mk.VIII accuracy: Upper and lower wing surfaces with leading edge fuel tanks and gun camera position
• Short-span ailerons: Authentic Mk.VIII wing configuration
• Retractable tailwheel section: Improved ground handling feature
• Revised instrument panel: Mk.VIII-specific cockpit details
• Repositioned fuselage light: Accurate external details
• Rolls-Royce Merlin engine: Highly detailed powerplant
• Broad-chord rudder: Strengthened tail configuration
• Three marking options: Including RAAF 'Grey Nurse Squadron' shark mouth scheme
• Manufacturer: Airfix
• SKU: AIRA17002

What's Included:

• Plastic model kit with 452 parts
• Instruction sheet with step-by-step assembly guide
• Paint guide with color references
• Decal sheet with three marking options

Historical Background:

One of the most impressive features associated with the enduring legacy of the Spitfire is how its basic design was able to be adapted and upgraded so effectively throughout the Second World War and how the final variants of this magnificent aircraft were far more capable than the ones which first arrived at RAF Duxford during the summer of 1938. With the Spitfire undergoing almost constant development to enable it to stay at the forefront of fighter technology during WWII, this vital work was interrupted by the introduction of the Luftwaffe's fearsome new Focke Wulf Fw190 in 1941, an aircraft which was superior to the Spitfire Mk.V, which was in widespread service at the time.

A new Spitfire variant, the Mk.VIII, was at an advanced stage of development at the time; however, actual production was still some way off, as manufacturing jigs had not been installed in factories at that time. A stop-gap solution proved to be the introduction of the hybrid Mk.IX, an aircraft which, fortunately, proved to be something of a revelation and more than a match for the Focke Wulf. The planned Spitfire Mk.VIII would continue into production and was essentially a fighter intentionally designed and engineered from the outset to be the next version of the fighter and a major production variant. Powered by the latest variants of the Merlin engine, the Mk.VIII featured a strengthened fuselage, retractable tail wheel, and the adoption of a new broad-chord rudder, with versions optimized for high, medium, and low altitude operations.

This variant of Spitfire served primarily with units based overseas, with the RAF in the Mediterranean, Middle and Far East and the RAAF in the Southwest Pacific. Many pilots who flew several marks of this famous fighter regarded the Mk.VIII as the best flying Spitfire of them all.

Grey Nurse Squadron History:

No. 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force became known as 'Grey Nurse Squadron' after repainting their newly arrived Spitfire Mk.VIIIs with distinctive shark mouths. Originally tasked with the air defense of Darwin, the squadron was soon moved northwards to Morotai and eventually Labuan to primarily conduct ground attack missions against the Japanese forces. The aircraft portrayed is that of 457's commanding officer, Sqn. Ldr. Bruce Watson DFC.

Complementary Products:

Explore our complete selection of 1/24 Scale Model Aircraft Kits to expand your large-scale Spitfire collection. This impressive display piece pairs perfectly with other WWII fighters in our catalog.

About Airfix:

Visit Airfix official website to find comprehensive information about their extensive catalog of high-quality scale model kits and rich modeling heritage.

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