Hobby Master HA7816 1:48 RAF Spitfire Mk.I 'Battle of Britain'
1/48 scale pre-finished.
Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic.
Professionally painted.
All markings pad applied for superb results.
Canopy slides open.
Comes with a pilot that can be removed.
Comes with display stand.
Landing gear is fully retractable and can be displayed up or down.
Propeller is metal.
Extremely sought after by collectors.
The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning
of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1's with two others converting to the new
aircraft. 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 of 4, a bulged canopy, a 3-blade
propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind
the pilot.
South African born Adolph Gysbert Malan joined the merchant marines in 1928. In 1935 Malan
joined the RAF and assigned to 74 Squadron on December 20, 1936 where he earned the
nickname "Sailor". In May 1940 Malan led 10 sorties over Northern France downing 2 aircraft
with 3 probables earning him the DFC. In June 1940 he downed 2 He-111's during a night
attack and earned a bar on the DFC ribbon. By the end of 1940 Malan had 18 victories with a
total of 32 by wars end.
Specifications for Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A (late production)
Role – Interceptor Fighter
Mk.1A Produced – 1,536
Crew – one
Performance
Engine – 1 x Rolls-Royce Merlin III, liquid-cooled, V12
HP @ Altitudes –
1,030 hp @ 16,250 ft (4,953 m)
880 HP @ take-off
Speed
Maximum @ 20,000 ft (6,100 m) – 353 mph (568 kph)
Cruising – 210 mph (338 kph)
RoC (Rate of Climb)
Initial – 2,530 ft/min (771 m/min)
Time to 20,000 ft (6,096 m) – 9 minutes 25 seconds
Service Ceiling – 31,900 ft (9,723 m)
Normal Range – 395 miles (637 km)
Endurance – 1.78 hrs
Weights
Empty – 5,040 lb (2,286 kg)
Full – 6,150 lb (2,789 kg)
Dimensions
Length – 29 ft 11 ins. (9.12 m)
Height to tip of propeller – 11 ft 5 ins (3.48 m)
Wingspan – 36 ft 10 ins. (11.23 m)
Armament
8 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 300 rounds/gun