Silver Spitfire Mk VB

The most widely used and, generally accepted to be the most successful variant of the Spitfire was the Mk V. It was produced in large numbers and in four major versions. The Spitfire Mk V was designed to face the Messerschmitt Bf109F in combat something its predecesors nor the Hurricane could acheive. Following the success of the Spitfire in the Battle of Britain the Spitfire Mk I airframe was strengthened and the more powerful Rolls Royce Merlin 45 engine installed. Firepower was also improved with the addition of two 20mm Hispano cannons each with 60 rounds and four 0.303" Brownings each with 350 rounds installed in the wings of the Mk VB.
To operate at low altitudes the wingtips could be removed and fitted with a fairing this 'clipped wing' gave the aircraft greater speed and a higher roll rate. Numerous other modifications were made to improve the breed ultimately making it more of a match for the enemy aircraft.
It was the first fighter version of the Spitfire to see service overseas and was supplied to several foreign airforces.
Initially conceived as a stopgap the Spitfire Mk V would give the allies the upper hand until the arrival of the Focke Wulf Fw190.


	Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB
	The most widely used and, generally accepted to be the most successful variant of the Spitfire was the Mk V. It was produced in large numbers and in four major versions. The Spitfire Mk V was designed to face the Messerschmitt Bf109F in combat something its predecesors nor the Hurricane could acheive. Following the success of the Spitfire in the Battle of Britain the Spitfire Mk I airframe was strengthened and the more powerful Rolls Royce Merlin 45 engine installed. Firepower was also improved with the addition of two 20mm Hispano cannons each with 60 rounds and four 0.303" Brownings each with 350 rounds installed in the wings of the Mk VB. To operate at low altitudes the wingtips could be removed and fitted with a fairing this 'clipped wing' gave the aircraft greater speed and a higher roll rate. Numerous other modifications were made to improve the breed ultimately making it more of a match for the enemy aircraft. It was the first fighter version of the Spitfire to see service overseas and was supplied to several foreign airforces. Initially conceived as a stopgap the Spitfire Mk V would give the allies the upper hand until the arrival of the Focke Wulf Fw190.









Scale 1:72 Wingspan 6.25" (156 mm) Base size 7.67" (195 mm) square (No. 5) Weight not including base 7.8 ozs (219 grams)