A17002 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII
Product Info
This remarkable 1:24 scale super kit of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII includes numerous new components to enable precise assembly of this significant production model, utilising the 2022 Spitfire Mk.IX.c release as the foundational kit. Comprising 452 pieces and offering extensive building options, this model represents one of the most advanced Spitfire variants, which predominantly served with overseas units during the Second World War.
Key Features
- Newly designed upper and lower wing surfaces, featuring leading edge fuel tanks and gun camera placement
- Authentic Mk.VIII short span ailerons
- Retractable tailwheel section with enhanced fuselage detailing
- Updated instrument panel accurately depicting the Mk.VIII cockpit
- Fuselage light repositioned to align with this specific variant
- Selection of three paint schemes, including 457 Squadron RAAF 'Grey Nurse' with iconic shark mouth
- Broad-chord rudder reflecting the improved aerodynamics of this version
- 469mm wingspan creating a striking display model
History
A notable aspect of the Spitfire's enduring legacy is its ability to be adapted and upgraded throughout World War II, with later versions being significantly more advanced than those first introduced at RAF Duxford in the summer of 1938.
The Spitfire was in a state of near-constant development to maintain its position at the forefront of fighter technology during WWII. This crucial work was challenged by the introduction of the Luftwaffe's formidable new Focke Wulf Fw190 in 1941, which outperformed the widely used Spitfire Mk.V at the time.
At that point, the Mk.VIII variant of the Spitfire was in advanced development, but production was delayed due to the absence of manufacturing jigs in factories. The interim solution was the introduction of the hybrid Mk.IX, which proved to be unexpectedly successful and capable of competing with the Focke Wulf.
The Spitfire Mk.VIII was eventually produced as a fighter specifically designed and engineered to be the next iteration of the aircraft and a major production variant. Equipped with the latest Merlin engine variants, the Mk.VIII included a reinforced fuselage, retractable tail wheel, and a new broad-chord rudder, with versions tailored for high, medium, and low altitude missions.
This Spitfire variant mainly operated with units stationed abroad, including the RAF in the Mediterranean, Middle and Far East, and the RAAF in the South West Pacific. Many pilots who flew various marks of this renowned fighter considered the Mk.VIII to be the finest flying Spitfire.
No. 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force earned the nickname 'Grey Nurse Squadron' after painting their newly acquired Spitfire Mk.VIIIs with distinctive shark mouths. Initially assigned to defend Darwin, the squadron was soon relocated north to Morotai and later Labuan, primarily for ground attack operations against Japanese forces. The aircraft depicted is that of 457's commanding officer, Sqn. Ldr. Bruce Watson DFC.
BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
What's Inside
Schemes
Recommended For You
Tech Specs
- Item Length - Without Packaging (cm)
- 40.2
- Item Height - Without Packaging (cm)
- 16
- Item Width - Without Packaging (cm)
- 46.9
- How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?
- 452
- Item Scale
- 1:24 Scale
- License line
- BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
- Contents (what's in the box) sets
- Plastic kit, instruction sheet, paint guide and decal sheet.
- Finish
- Plastic
- Number of Scheme options
- 3
- Skill Level
- 4
- Flying Hours
- 4
- Wingspan (mm)
- 469
WARNING! Not suitable for children under 36 months. It contains small parts which can present a choking hazard. Please retain these details and the address for future reference. CAUTION Please remove all packaging before giving the toy to a child.