Academy 12484 Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIVc 1/72 Scale Plastic Model Kit

The Academy Plastic Model Company has been producing kits since 1969. The company is famous for its endless research and development and the excellent model kits that result from the effort. Academy has been awarded 'Model of the Year' at the Nuremberg International Toy Show many times and the quality of their model kits meets or exceeds that of any other current manufacturer. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. History was forever made on October 5, 1944 when a Spitfire XIV of No. 610 Squadron was the first Allied aircraft to shoot down a turbojet-powered Messerschmitt 262A Swallow! Designed as an experimental Mark V forerunner of future Griffon-engined Spitfires, it proved so promising, it was named the Mark XIV and rushed into production. Over 1,000 aircraft of this type were manufactured and deployed before the end of World War II. It was the Mark XIV that finally had the range and maneuverability to go against the FW-190 on equal terms. Powered by the two-stage Griffin type 65 engine, the Mark XIV differed from the earlier Spitfires by its larger rudder and elevators, five-bladed ROTOL propeller and four 20 mm cannon mounted in its type 'C' or 'E' wing. Besides its successful battle history, in particular shooting down over 300 V-1 Flying Bombs, many aviation enthusiasts regard the Spitfire Mark XIV as one of the most beautiful fighter airplanes ever designed. Kit features: fully engraved panel lines and rivet detail; highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear compartment; and optional position wings and landing gear This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting.