Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7803

General Background

The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938. At the beginning of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1’s. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the evacuation of Dunkirk. The Mk.1A had 8 machine guns instead 4, a bulged canopy, a 3-blade propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot.

The Aircraft

When WWII started some American volunteers enlisted with the RAF. They were named the No. 71 “Eagle Squadron”. Bill Dunn was a member and on August 27, 1941 was escorting Blenheims. During the mission Dunn shot down two Me-109’s but was hit several times. Dunn got the crippled aircraft back to base before passing out. When he awoke he found he had lost the front portion of one foot; 2 machine gun bullets in his leg while another creased the back of his head. This ended Dunn’s career with the “Eagle Squadron” and a score of 5 ½ victories. He returned to the US as a pilot trainer but on D-Day returned to England with the 406th FG and scored 3 more victories.

Specifications :

Basic Information :
Entered Service:	August 1940 with 611 Squadron
Performance:
Power Plant:	1 x Rolls-Royce Merlin XII, 1,175 hp (Mk.IIb - 1,300 hp)
Maximum Speed:	370 mph (595 km/h)
Maximum Range:	395 miles (636 km)
Service Ceiling:	32,800 ft (9,997 m)
Time 20,000 ft:	7 minutes
Dimensions:
Length:	29.8 ft (9.1 m)
Height to tip of propeller:	11.48 ft (3.5 m)
Wingspan:	36.75 ft (11.2 m)
Armament:	Mk.IIa – 8 x Browning .303 machine guns
	Mk.IIb – 4 x machine guns + 2 x 20mm cannons