The Supermarine Spitfire
was designed by R.J. Mitchell and its distinctive silhouette makes it
one of the most widely-recognized fighters of WWII. Famous for its
exploits during the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire continued to evolve
to counter newer Axis aircraft. As a result of this evolution, numerous
variants of the Spitfire were born and served with distinction in the
RAF as well as the air forces of many other countries until well after
the end of WWII.
The Spitfre Mk.XVI was almost identical to the Mk.IX in nearly all
aspects except that most were powered by a Packard-built Merlin 266
engine which had taller dimensions than the Rolls Royce 66 engine and
featured a bubble canopy with a "low back" fuselage. Other new
structural changes saw the Mk.XVI equipped with a larger 96 gallon main
fuel tank, as well as two additional fuel tanks installed at the rear
of the fuselage and a larger oil sump to allow it to flylonger
distances. Mk.XVIes were mainly used in ground-attack roles and came
with the "E" armament configuration of two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm
Browning machine guns. Also, as concrete tarmacs became more common as
the war progressed, changes to the camber angle of the Spitfire's
landing gears were made to make for more efficient landings and
take-offs. With the changes made to the new gun and cannon positioning,
ammunition ejection ports, and the landing gear design, the wings
featured new bulges compared to the Mk.IX. The Mk.XVIe, served with
distinction throughout Europe for the latter half of the war.
Specs & Features
1/32 scale assembly kit of the Supermarine Spitfire M.XVIe.
This is the first 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XVIe full injection kimodel.
Challenging model production technology limits, the engine cowlings
have an amazing 0.4mm thickness to allow for a fully accurate scale
representation of the engine. These cowlings can be installed and
removed thanks to small magnets.
The E Wing with its two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm Browning machine
guns is faithfully reproduced.
The details of the Packard Motor built Merlin 266 engine, including oil
tanks and supercharger, have been faithfully remodelled.
Movable elevators, rudder, and ailerons. Flaps can be depicted in up or
down position.
Landing gear parts included to depict either up or down position
(interchangeable).
Complicated frame configuration of the cockpit features realistic
bulkheads and frames.
Photo-etched parts to depict details such as wheel covers, cockpit area
including instrument panel and seat belts with or without pilot
included.
1 seated and 1 standing pilot figures are included.
Three kinds of markings included.
Also included is a display stand which enables you to depict the plane
in flight
A variety of Tamiya AS and XF paints are separately available for the
perfect paint job.
