The Supermarine Spitfire is a single-seat fighter aircraft used by the RAF and many Allied countries during World War II. It had distinctive elliptical wings with the thinnest possible cross-section, which enabled it to travel at speeds that exceeded those of other aircraft of its time. It gained prominence along with the Hawker Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain and was used extensively as a fighter-interceptor, reconnaissance, fighter-bomber and trainer, and it continued to serve in these roles until the 1950s.

This particular scale model represents Aircraft “P7973” which saw service with 452 Squadron RAAF in mid 1941, as well as with a number of other operational units. During its service with 452 Squadron it was flown by one of Australia’s greatest air aces, Squadron Leader Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott who gained his first victory in this aircraft. It was selected for the Australian War Memorial in 1944, and shipped to Australia in 1945. It is on display in the World War II Gallery of the Australian War Memorial and is unique in retaining its original paint scheme.

Product dimensions 9 x 11cm