Airfix 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia # 01071C

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that played a pivotal role in the early stages of World War II.

Developed by the Supermarine company, it is one of the most iconic and celebrated fighter aircraft in history.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia:

First Flight: March 1936 (prototype)
Entered Service: 1938
Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin II or III V12 engine
Armament: Eight .303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns mounted in the wings
Performance: Maximum speed of approximately 355 mph (571 km/h) at 19,000 feet (5,791 meters); service ceiling of 31,900 feet (9,723 meters)
Design Features: Sleek, aerodynamic design with elliptical wings, providing excellent maneuverability and speed; retractable undercarriage; enclosed cockpit

The Spitfire Mk.Ia became famous for its role during the Battle of Britain in 1940, where it, alongside the Hawker Hurricane, helped to defend the UK against the German Luftwaffe.

Its advanced design and performance characteristics made it a formidable opponent and a symbol of British resilience and technological prowess.

The Mk.Ia laid the foundation for subsequent variants of the Spitfire, which continued to evolve and serve throughout the war.