{"title":"GBR Supermarine Spitfire Mk V","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"airfix-a02108a-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs a thoroughbred of the aviation world, the Supermarine Spitfire underwent constant development throughout WWII, with new versions of the fighter never too far away from joining RAF squadrons.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft which fought the Battle of Britain were scheduled to undergo significant upgrade, however, whilst still in development, the Luftwaffe introduced their latest variant of Bf 109 fighter, one which was shooting down Spitfires in large numbers - urgent action was needed.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spitfire Mk.V was effectively an upgraded Mk.II airframe, fitted with the latest version of Merlin engine, one which gave the aircraft greater high altitude performance and this variant would eventually equip more than 140 RAF Squadrons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234358493451,"sku":"A02108A","price":10.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a02108a-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc-1160786963.jpg?v=1749035166"},{"product_id":"airfix-a55001-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc-starter-set","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc [starter set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most famous aircraft ever to take to the skies and one which is as familiar today as it was during the savage dogfights of the Battle of Britain, the Supermarine Spitfire was designed as a short range, high performance interceptor, taking inspiration from the inter-war seaplanes which had competed for the Schneider Trophy. Representing a significant advancement in aviation technology compared to the biplane fighters which were still in widespread service during the mid 1930s, the Spitfire would go on to see service throughout the Second World War, undergoing constant development to keep it at the forefront of fighter design. Introduced as something of an interim design, the Mk.V would go on to be the most heavily produced variant of Spitfire and featured the more powerful Merlin 45 engine and highly advanced universal wing, which allowed different armament options to be fitted to the fighter with relative ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo further extend the pure enjoyment Airfix can bring to so many, these new simpler to build-and-paint Starter Sets are perfect for any beginner. This fantastic new model comes not only come with a more child-friendly build, but also a brilliant bespoke 'shadow-effect' stand to mount them on. Complete with painting guides, water-based acrylic paint, adhesive and a brush, this kit is a great start to anyone's model building career!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234355478795,"sku":"A55001","price":10.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a55001-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc-starter-set.png?v=1749030916"},{"product_id":"airfix-a50187-1-72-best-of-british-spitfire-and-hawk-gift-set","title":"Best of British - Spitfire and Hawk [gift set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eRepresenting two iconic British aircraft designs of the 20th century, the Supermarine Spitfire and BAe Hawk may have been developed during different eras of aviation technology, however, they are both instantly recognisable to millions of people. As Britain's most famous fighting aeroplane, the Spitfire is still viewed as the aircraft which came to the nation's rescue during the dark days of the Battle of Britain and its distinctive elliptical wing is still regarded as a design classic. In this set we offer the MkV Spitfire - a more powerful version used by over 140 RAF Squadrons and nine other nations including the USSR and United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the mount of the world famous Red Arrows, the BAe Hawk is now unquestionably the aircraft which has come to represent the professionalism of the modern Royal Air Force and with 44 years exceptional service already to its name, even eclipses the service life of the famous Spitfire. During this year's Battle of Britain 80th anniversary commemorations, enthusiasts will be hoping to see the Hawks of the Red Arrows performing several evocative formation flypasts with Spitfires and Hurricanes at a number of Airshow events during the summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234356330763,"sku":"A50187","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a50187-best-of-british-spitfire-and-hawk-gift-set.jpg?v=1749030949"},{"product_id":"airfix-a50190-1-72-then-and-now-spitfire-and-f-35b-lightning-ii-gift-set","title":"Then and Now - Spitfire and F-35B Lightning II [gift set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eSince the early days of powered flight, the aeroplane and the intrepid individuals who flew them have captivated the imagination of the world, the most impressive machines ever built by man flown by a talented few. Of all the many aircraft types which have taken to the skies, it is the single seat fighter which has provided the most fascination and in Britain, the Supermarine Spitfire has reigned supreme over the years. An aircraft regarded as the nation's saviour during its darkest hour and one which remained in service throughout the Second World War, the Spitfire is as famous today as it was when the first production fighter arrived at RAF Duxford back in August 1938.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mark Vc variant of the Spitfire may have been an interim development of Britain's famous fighter, rushed out to combat the latest version of its wartime adversary, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, however, it would prove so successful that it became the most heavily produced of all the Spitfire variants. An aircraft which allowed Fighter Command to go on the offensive, the Spitfire Mk.V would be operated by Allied squadrons all over the world and helped to establish the almost mythical reputation of this famous fighting aeroplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBringing the history of the Royal Air Force right up to date, the latest high-tech single seat multi-role aircraft currently patrolling Britain's skies, the Lockheed Martin® F-35® Lightning is a highly advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft, one which is described as a technological quantum leap ahead of anything else currently in the skies. Although just at the start of its service career, can the F-35 hope to come close to matching the aviation reputation of the incomparable Spitfire?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234356396299,"sku":"A50190","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a50190-then-and-now-spitfire-and-f-35b-lightning-ii-gift-set.jpg?v=1749030952"},{"product_id":"airfix-a50192-1-72-d-day-fighters-gift-set","title":"D-Day Fighters [gift set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe importance of the role air power played in the months leading up to D-Day cannot be overstated, with the Allied powers knowing that securing superiority of the skies over the proposed landing beaches could be the difference between success and failure of the entire operation.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThat being the case, Allied air forces were committed in ever-increasing numbers from the end of 1943, attacking airfields, supply infrastructure and other strategic targets, and mounting hundreds of diversionary attacks. This was all intended to keep German forces guessing as to the location of the anticipated invasion, but all the time diminishing their ability to respond to the landings when they came.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eWith so many Allied aircraft expected to be in the air supporting Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders were concerned about the possibility of their aircraft coming under attack from friendly forces both in the air and from anti-aircraft units on the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThey issued a directive that all aircraft (with some exceptions, including four-engined heavy bombers) be painted with identification markings around their wings and rear fuselage, under the strictest levels of security.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe order to begin applying markings to troop transport, aircraft was not issued until 3rd June 1944, with other units receiving their instructions the following day. This move placed additional pressure on airfield staff already working at maximum capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eOn D-Day itself, over 13,000 individual sorties were flown by Allied aircraft in support of the amphibious landings and although around 127 aircraft were lost for various reasons during those operations, it's thought that the adoption of invasion makings significantly reduced numbers succumbing to incidents of friendly fire on that momentous day.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Luftwaffe were conspicuous by their absence on D-Day itself, they fought tenaciously in the weeks and months which followed, highlighting the fact that they were far from finished.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234356560139,"sku":"A50192","price":49.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a50192-d-day-fighters-gift-set.jpg?v=1749030958"},{"product_id":"airfix-a50194-1-72-dogfight-double-spitfire-mk-vc-vs-bf-109-f-4-gift-set","title":"Dogfight Double - Spitfire Mk Vc vs Bf 109 F-4 [gift set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate 'clash of eagles', which came to represent the struggle for aerial supremacy during the Second World War, was undoubtedly contested between Britain's Supermarine Spitfire and Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109, two of the most famous fighting aeroplanes in the history of flight. With both fighters remaining in service throughout the war, both were continually upgraded to either gain an advantage over their adversary or to overcome one. Whilst other aircraft types would eventually join the fray, the Spitfire and Messerschmitt continued to contest their deadly rivalry, which began above the beaches of Dunkirk during the summer of 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234356822283,"sku":"A50194","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a50194-dogfight-double-spitfire-mk-vc-vs-bf-109-f-4-gift-set.jpg?v=1749030963"},{"product_id":"border-model-bf-004-1-35-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Border Model","offers":[{"title":"Default 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This 1\/48 scale kit accurately reproduces this 20mm cannon-armed variant and includes options such as two different types of windscreens, three types of canopies, and both normal and clipped wingtips. One pilot figure and three marking options are also included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51471879962891,"sku":"61033","price":18.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/tamiya-61033-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mk-vb-trop.jpg?v=1749112931"},{"product_id":"tamiya-60756-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mk-vb-trop","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb \/ Mk Vb (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a 1\/72 scale plastic model assembly kit depicting the Mk.Vb, the most prolifically produced variant of the Spitfire. ★From the elegant overall form to Mk.Vb-specific features such as the 20mm cannon-equipped wing, the form of the aircraft is captured in style. ★The model can be assembled with different wing designs. ★Comes with two types of front canopy and three types of rear canopy parts. ★Parts are included to recreate the special air filters seen on TROP variants that were deployed in tropical climes. ★Comes with four marking options and a display base.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51471903260939,"sku":"60756","price":13.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/tamiya-60756-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mk-vb-trop.jpg?v=1749113468"},{"product_id":"airfix-a05125a-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrating the strength and adaptability of its basic design, the Supermarine Spitfire saw constant development throughout the Second World War, with over 20,000 aircraft eventually being produced in 24 different marks. The Mark V variant was actually something of a stop-gap upgrade from the aircraft which fought during the Battle of Britain, but with 6,487 produced, it would prove to be the most heavily produced mark of Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51532641829131,"sku":"A05125A","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a05125a-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb.jpg?v=1749147677"},{"product_id":"italeri-1482-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-v-mk-ix-wwii-aces","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk V \/ Mk IX ‘WWII Aces’","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft can undoubtedly be considered one of the most famous aeroplanes in the history of aviation and an icon of British aeronautical engineering. A single-engine, low-wing monoplane equipped with effective offensive armament, it formed—along with the Hawker Hurricane—the backbone of the Royal Air Force’s fighter units during the Battle of Britain against the German Luftwaffe. Throughout the war, in order to counter enemy technological advancements, the Spitfire underwent continuous development in both aerodynamic configuration and powerplant options. The Spitfire V, produced from 1941 and powered by the 1,440 hp Merlin engine, was widely distributed to operational units and later evolved into the Mk IX version. Flown by the most renowned aces of the British Royal Air Force, it achieved a significant number of aerial victories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eScale is 1:72\u003cbr\u003e\n    Size of the model is 13cm\u003cbr\u003e\n    Super decal sheet included\u003cbr\u003e\n    One model with two possible versions: Mk V and Mk IX\u003cbr\u003e\n    Decals for the most famous R.A.F. aces : James Edgar Johnson, Brendan “Paddy” Finucane (from Ireland), Jan Zumbach (from Poland), Russel Foskett (from Australia) George Buchanan (from South Africa)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52550962643211,"sku":"1482","price":15.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/1482_01_3ada3d84-80c8-45e9-a5ec-06d809308f3b.jpg?v=1762807413"},{"product_id":"eduard-2154-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-spitfire-story-the-sweeps","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb ‘Spitfire Story: The Sweeps’","description":"\u003cp\u003eLimited edition kit of British WWII fighter aircraft Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1\/72 scale.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the kit you can build Spitfires of pilots of different nationalities flying in the RAF fighting over the occupied west part of Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e                                                           \n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 11\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003cbr\u003e\n    extras: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52885279179019,"sku":"2154","price":28.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/2154_01.jpg?v=1770491491"},{"product_id":"eduard-70205-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ProfiPACK edition kit of British WWII fighter plane Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1\/72 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll Spitfires are early version with armor glass before the windshield and have under the wings symetrical bulges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 6\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52885279310091,"sku":"70205","price":15.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/70205_01.jpg?v=1770491538"},{"product_id":"eduard-82157-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ProfiPACK edition kit of British WWII fighter plane Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1\/48 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll Spitfires are mid version with armor glass before the windshield and have under the wings asymetrical bulges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 7\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52885283995915,"sku":"82157","price":26.96,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/82157_vko_krabice_z2.jpg?v=1770491732"},{"product_id":"eduard-70206-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mid","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (mid)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ProfiPACK edition kit of British WWII fighter plane Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1\/72 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll Spitfires are mid version with armor glass before the windshield and have under the wings asymetrical bulges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 7\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53076603568395,"sku":"70206","price":15.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/70206_01.jpg?v=1777308797"},{"product_id":"ibg-72592-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-trop","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe arrival of Messerschmitt Bf 109F-equipped II.\/JG 27 in North Africa in September 1941, followed by additional Luftwaffe fighter Gruppen, shifted the balance of air power in the Axis favour. In response, RAF Middle East Command urgently requested Spitfire reinforcements, and it was decided to deploy two squadrons—No. 92 and No. 145 Squadrons RAF—to Egypt. The tropicalisation of the Spitfire Mk V, however, caused significant delays. The first aircraft were not shipped until February 1942. Tropical modifications included the distinctive Vokes dust filter and enlarged oil tank housed in a deeper engine cowling beneath the nose, a revised oil cooler and radiator installation, desert survival equipment stowage, and numerous smaller adaptations intended to improve reliability in harsh desert conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo accelerate delivery, it was decided that fifty tropicalised Spitfires would be shipped to Takoradi on the Gold Coast (modern Ghana), assembled there, and flown across Africa to Egypt via the established Takoradi ferry route. At the same time, a further fifty non-tropicalised airframes were dispatched by sea around the Cape of Good Hope to Port Sudan. The first shipment arrived at Takoradi aboard the SS Lagosian on 3 April 1942. After assembly and test flying, the aircraft began the long ferry flight to Egypt later that month. Allocated initially to No. 145 Squadron, the first Spitfires entered combat on 1 June 1942. Although their numbers were initially too small to alter the air situation decisively, their impact grew steadily as additional aircraft and trained pilots became available. By the time of the Second Battle of El Alamein in October–November 1942—one of the decisive Allied victories of the North African campaign—the Western Desert Air Force fielded three Spitfire squadrons in Egypt: No. 92, No. 145 and No. 601 Squadrons. Operating primarily in the air-superiority role, they increasingly challenged the Luftwaffe and helped erode the effectiveness of Axis air operations over the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the victory at El Alamein, Spitfires accompanied the Allied advance across Libya into Tunisia, while further RAF units converted from Hurricanes and Kittyhawks to the type. Their growing presence provided the Western Desert Air Force with a modern fighter capable of matching the Bf 109 on more equal terms. After the Allied landings in French North Africa during Operation Torch in November 1942, additional Spitfire units were deployed from Gibraltar and the United Kingdom to Algeria and Morocco. Together with rapidly expanding USAAF fighter and bomber formations, these reinforcements enabled the Allies to achieve increasing air superiority over Tunisia. Throughout the winter and spring of 1942–43, Allied fighters and bombers conducted relentless attacks against Axis airfields, ports, shipping and supply lines, gradually overwhelming German and Italian air forces in the theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time the Tunisian campaign ended in May 1943, Allied air power had become a decisive factor in the destruction of Axis forces in North Africa. The Spitfire, which had arrived in Egypt only a year earlier in small numbers, had become one of the principal fighters of the Allied air offensive, contributing significantly to the campaign that ended with the surrender of more than 250,000 Axis troops in Tunisia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"IBG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53293152895243,"sku":"72592","price":21.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/725634173_1660435731702780_822337401007436688_n.jpg?v=1786315351"},{"product_id":"ibg-72600-1-72-supermarine-spitfire-pr-mk-ic-pr-mk-ig","title":"Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk Ic \/ PR Mk Ig","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire is without doubt one of the most iconic and recognisable aircraft of the Second World War. While its story spans the entirety of the conflict—from the earliest days to the final victory—it was the early variants powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine with a single-stage supercharger that laid the foundations of the modern Royal Air Force, both technologically and symbolically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spitfire’s origins trace back to the 1930s, when Great Britain, recognizing the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany’s expanding air force, began modernizing its own aerial capabilities. Reginald Mitchell’s design, influenced by his experience with high-speed Schneider Trophy racing aircraft, proved to be a masterpiece: aerodynamically clean, structurally modern, and exceptionally agile. The Spitfire quickly became the RAF’s premier fighter, embodying the new spirit of a reformed and ready air force.\u003cbr\u003e\nEarly operational variants, such as the Mk I and Mk II, armed with eight Browning machine guns, played a central role in the Battle of Britain, giving the RAF the means to resist and ultimately repel the Luftwaffe’s aerial assault. Later models, like the Mk V, introduced heavier armament and improved performance, while retaining the Spitfire’s hallmark manoeuvrability and flying pleasure.\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong the lesser-known but crucial developments were the high-altitude versions, such as the Spitfire Mk VI, which featured extended wingtips, a pressurized cockpit, and specialized equipment for high-altitude interception missions. Designed to counter enemy reconnaissance and bomber aircraft operating at extreme altitudes, these variants pushed the Merlin engine to its limits. In parallel, Photo Reconnaissance (PR) versions were developed, optimized for long-range missions with additional fuel tanks, stripped-down equipment, and high-altitude capability. These unarmed but swift aircraft flew deep over enemy territory, capturing vital intelligence with unmatched precision.\u003cbr\u003e\nSpitfires powered by early single-stage supercharged Merlins saw combat on every front of the war: from the white cliffs of southern England, across the deserts of North Africa, over the besieged skies of Malta, and into the jungles of the Far East. Their adaptability and reliability made them indispensable across vastly different environments and theatres of war.\u003cbr\u003e\nAlthough the single-stage Merlin engine defined the early war years, it was by no means the end of the Spitfire’s evolution. Later models were fitted with two-stage supercharged Merlins, dramatically improving high-altitude performance, and eventually with the even more powerful Griffon engine, extending the aircraft’s relevance and capability to the very end of the war—and even beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike most reconnaissance Spitfires, which relied on high altitude and speed as their primary means of protection, the PR Type G was developed to carry out photographic reconnaissance missions at low and medium altitudes. Low-level reconnaissance flights were among the most dangerous operations undertaken by RAF aircrews.This required a completely different approach to both aircraft configuration and operational tactics. To obtain photographs with sufficient detail, pilots were required to fly directly over their targets, often within range of light anti-aircraft artillery, machine-gun fire, and enemy fighters. Unlike the high-altitude PR variants, which frequently operated beyond the reach of most defensive measures, PR Type G crews faced constant exposure to hostile fire and had to rely on their flying skills, speed, and low-altitude maneuvering to survive. The Type G retained its fighter armament, providing pilots with the means to defend themselves if attacked. Engaging enemy aircraft was discouraged unless absolutely necessary, as preserving the reconnaissance mission and returning with the photographic evidence always took priority. Despite these dangers, the Type G played an important role in the development of Allied photographic reconnaissance. Early missions flown by armed reconnaissance Spitfires contributed to obtaining the first detailed photographs of German radar installations, providing invaluable intelligence on the Luftwaffe’s growing early-warning network. Equally important were reconnaissance flights over occupied Norway, during which German warships concealed within the fjords were located and photographed. These images enabled Allied intelligence to monitor the movements of major Kriegsmarine units and provided vital information for British naval planners. Although later specialized reconnaissance variants offered greater altitude performance and longer range, the PR Type G remains a testament to the courage of the pilots who carried out some of the war’s most hazardous missions—flying low over enemy territory, where success depended on a combination of precision, speed, and exceptional airmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"IBG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53293152928011,"sku":"72600","price":21.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/725291887_1310938434575521_1121347130204870509_n.jpg?v=1786315592"},{"product_id":"kotare-32006-1-32-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-early","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (early)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe legendary Supermarine “Spitfire” is undoubtedly one of the most famous, and perhaps the most beautiful, aircraft of all time. Designed from 1934 under the guidance of Supermarine Aviation Works’ chief designer Reginald Mitchell, Joseph Smith and “Alf” Faddy, the prototype first flew on 5 March 1936. The Supermarine built, 1030hp Rolls-Royce Merlin II\/III powered, 8 Browning .303” machine gun armed, Spitfire Mk.I entered service from mid-May 1938. The rear fuselage was adorned with raised rivets for ease of construction while the main planes and front of the fuselage were flush riveted, puttied\/filler primed and sanded smooth for improved performance. Numerous improvements were introduced throughout production. Some Mk.I were armed with 2 Hispano 20mm cannons which proved to be so unreliable that they were withdrawn from service in early September 1940. The problems were solved later that year, at which time it was reintroduced with an additional 4 Browning .303” guns and designated the Spitfire Mk.Ib (“B” wing), at which time the 8 Browning .303” gun armed aircraft was re-designated the Mk.Ia (“A” wing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory (CBAF) built 1150hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XII powered Spitfire Mk.IIa and Mk.IIb featured many of the later Mk.Ia improvements although the key difference was the new engine which had a Coffman (explosive) cartridge starting system.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eA 1390hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XX powered Spitfire Mk.III prototype had been in development since January 1940 which incorporated numerous improvements introduced throughout Mk.I\/II production as well as many new innovations. In early 1941 an urgent need for improved performance saw the installation of the 1440hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 into approximately 365 internally strengthened Mk.Ia\/IIa \u0026amp; Mk.Ib\/IIb airframes thereby creating the stop-gap Mk.Va and Mk.Vb.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly production Mk.Vb (as featured in this model) completed from early-1941 incorporated Mk.I\/II airframe improvements introduced up to that time including constant speed DeHavilland \u0026amp; Rotol propellers, a carb intake ice\/snow guard, fireproof bulkhead, deletion of the 47gal fuel gauge in the instrument panel, engine driven undercarriage controls, windscreen de-icing, Martin-Baker hood release (jettison) system, composite seat, pilot’s armour plating, IFF Mk.II, a single parachute landing flare chute, electrical test door in the port wing fillet, raised rivet wireless and accumulator doors, Plessey flare device, and reinforced tailwheel strut. They also featured the improved “B” type wing, metal skinned ailerons, improved cannon shell ejection chutes, symmetrical\/double-bulged and early asymmetric underwing cannon fairings, two-cell radiator, and an improved oil cooler design.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eMid production Mk.Vb completed from mid-1941 saw the introduction of additional types of DeHavilland and Rotol propellers, more efficient “fishtail” exhaust manifolds, tyres with concentric side-wall rings, armour under the seat and an emergency exit crowbar. Later production Mk.Vb saw the introduction of a 24 volt voltage regulator behind the pilot’s headrest, rearranged gun heating and oxygen systems, wheel covers, external “slipper” fuel tanks, balloon hoods, internal windscreen armoured glass, a square reflector gun sight Mk.II, clipped wingtips, tropical air intake filters, and deletion of the landing lights, parachute flare and pilot’s headrest. Very late serving aircraft could be found with multi-ejector exhaust manifolds, bomb carriers, and elevators with increased balance areas. Some of these modifications were retrofitted to earlier aircraft. A Mk.Vc was put into production from early 1942 and introduced the “C” wing, with modified undercarriage geometry, which could be armed with up to 4 Hispano 20mm cannons or 8 Browning .303” guns, although it was usually fitted with 2 cannons and 4 Browning guns.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous additional engine, airframe and armament improvements were made to the Spitfire before production ceased in 1948, by which time over 22000 had been produced in 2-dozen variants with the most notable being the 1030hp Mk.I, 1470hp Mk.V, 1720hp Mk.IX, 2035hp Mk.XIV, the photo-reconnaissance Mk.XI and the navalised Seafire Mk.III.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly production Mk.Vb featured the colours and finishing details of their respective airframe manufacturers. The interior areas were primed with light grey before being painted aluminium, except for the cockpit between frames 8 \u0026amp; 11 which appear to have been painted with grey-green (Supermarine), different from the green seen on early and mid-production Mk.I\/Ia, and very pale grey-green (CBAF). Major internal components supplied by sub-contractors could be delivered in various shades of grey-green or aluminium or even black.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eUpper surfaces were initially painted Dark Earth and Dark Green in varying shades applied with hard (Supermarine) and soft (CBAF) demarcation lines in the A pattern. The undersides (including the wheel wells, undercarriage struts and wheel hubs) were finished with “Sky Type S”. Although Night (black) was reintroduced for the underside of the port wing from late November 1940 until late April 1941, no Mk.Vb appear to have been finished this way at the factory, although Mk.Vb converted from earlier production Mk.Ib would have had Night applied at the units, before being repainted again with Sky Type S. Spitfire sub-assemblies were usually supplied pre-painted so a single aircraft could exhibit a variety of shades, and sometimes the camouflage pattern would not match perfectly from one sub-assembly\/component to the next. Early production Mk.Vb serving after mid-August 1941 would have received the new “Day Fighter” camouflage scheme with Ocean Grey (or mixed grey) applied over the previous Dark Earth, and Medium Sea Grey applied over the previous “Sky Type S” undersides. These new colours could be brush painted or sprayed on depending on what equipment was available at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, extensive weathering and re-painting (hand brushed as well as sprayed) also helped ensure that a wide variety of tonal differences could be seen. While we have tried our best with our paint suggestions, there is no doubt many will disagree with us. Which is OK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kotare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53296343515403,"sku":"32006","price":80.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/d854917e-K32006_20Kotare_201-32_20Spitfire_20Mk.Vb_20_Early_20box_20art.jpg?v=1786488151"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/fr\/collections\/gbr-supermarine-spitfire-mk-v.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}