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Anchor 27

1/48

WWII USAAF Fighter Aircraft

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc

About Aircraft

The British Supermarine Spitfire was the only Allied fighter aircraft of the Second World War to fight in front line service from the beginnings of the conflict, in September 1939, through to the end in August 1945. Post-war, the Spitfire's service career continued into the 1950s. 
 
The basic airframe proved to be extremely adaptable, capable of taking far more powerful engines and far greater loads than its original role as a short-range interceptor had called for. 

Kit & Construction

1/48 Airfix Kit • Aftermarket Decal Set
Scratch built antenna, pitot tube 
Painted and weathered by airbrush and oil colours

Pilot & Markings


4th FS, 52nd FG, pilot Capt. John Blythe. North Africa, February1943 
 
About Spitfires operated by USAAF
 
When the Eighth Air Force began arriving in England in 1942, it was initially planned that what fighter units would be assigned to it would utilize the Lockheed P-38 Lightning for high-altitude, long-range fighter escort, while the Bell P-39 Airacobra would provide escort for the medium bombers that were coming.
 
The first P-39 unit to arrive in England was the 31st Fighter Group – the first unit to have taken the Airacobra operational the previous year – though they arrived before their aircraft. In the interim, they were equipped with the Spitfire Mk. V. By the time the similarly-equipped 52nd Fighter Group arrived, the RAF had been able to convince the Americans of the unsuitability of the P-39 for aerial combat in western Europe. As a result, both groups were equipped with Spitfire Mk. Vs.
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