1/48 Spitfire Mk.IX "Polish Air Force"

This limited edition kit contains the base kit 09079 and the machine gun panel parts of 09424.

Markings:
1) Polish A.F. 308SQ. Code: ZF-R autumn 1944 (c type wing)
2) Polish A.F. 308SQ. Code: QH-Z Oct., 1945 (e type wing)

About the Spitfire Mk.IX:
In summer 1944 several major improvements were made to Mk. IXs coming off the production line:

• They were fitted with the Mark II Gyro Gunsight. This gunsight helped pilots calculate the correct angle of deflection to use when leading their targets. Its introduction doubled the effectiveness of their gunnery and was a major factor in Allied air superiority.
• The E Type wing was introduced. It removed the .303 machine guns mounted in the outer wings as most aircraft at that time had armour impenetrable by .303 bullets. The 20 mm Hispano cannon were moved outboard and the more effective .50 calibre Browning heavy machine gun was introduced. The improved armament was more effective for both air-to-air engagements and air-to-ground attacks.
• As a result of its over-powerful engine and four bladed propeller, the Mk. IX had a tendency to swing to one side during takeoff. This was solved by fitting a larger rudder, giving the pilot better control during takeoff.
• The cut-back rear fuselage and bubble canopy, prototyped on a Spitfire Mk. VIII, was incorporated into the model.
• Extra internal fuel tanks were fitted, as the Spitfire had an embarrassingly short radius of action when operating over enemy territory. External wing tanks had been used as a temporary measure, but they increased drag and had to be jettisoned before entering combat.

The Mk. IX was the most numerous variant of Spitfire produced. In total more than seven thousand were built.