HA8328 Spitfire Mk IXc MA466/BQ-S, No. 451 (RAAF) Sqn., Corsica, May 1944
£71.99
Out of stock
Hobby Master Air Power Series - 1/72 Scale
HA8328 Spitfire Mk IXc MA466/BQ-S, No. 451 (RAAF) Sqn., Corsica, May 1944
Limited Edition of only 400 models worldwide
In May 1944, No. 451 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was based in Corsica, flying Supermarine Spitfires in support of Allied operations in the Mediterranean. Operating under the Desert Air Force, the squadron conducted fighter sweeps, bomber escort, and tactical reconnaissance missions over northern Italy and southern France. Their presence in Corsica played a key role in softening German defences ahead of Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France. The Spitfire's agility and performance made it ideal for the varied mission set, and 451 Squadron's efforts contributed significantly to Allied air superiority in the region.
The Mk. IX replaced the Mk. V in June 1942 and on September 12, 1942 a Mk. IX brought down a Ju-86R flying at 43,000 feet. Another major achievement of the Mk. IX took place on October 5, 1944 when 401 Squadron became the first allied aircraft to shoot down an Me-262 jet. Even with the arrival of the Griffon powered Mk. XIV the Mk. IX continued in service until the end of WWII. There were 5,665 Mk. IX Spitfires and its variants produced.