{"product_id":"az-model-plastic-model-kit-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii-raaf-1-72","title":"AZ Model Plastic Model kit Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII RAAF — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAZ Model is a Czech specialist manufacturer known for producing aircraft subjects and variants that are often less extensively represented by the major mainstream manufacturers. AZ7518 is part of its 1:72 Spitfire range and specifically depicts the Spitfire Mk.VIII in Royal Australian Air Force service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact kit identification is well supported: specialist catalogues list AZ Model AZ7518 as “Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII RAAF”, in 1:72 scale.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAZ7518 is an unassembled, unpainted 1:72 injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit. The documented AZ Model product format includes the plastic airframe, decals and illustrated assembly instructions; the retailer listing specifically describes the kit as a plastic model for assembly and painting with decals for the relevant marking options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit represents the Mk.VIII configuration, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage halves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wing components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tailplanes and rudder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit and pilot's position\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Merlin engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Four-bladed propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Retractable undercarriage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Radiator and oil-cooler assemblies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament and under-wing fittings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Clear cockpit components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    RAAF decal markings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Illustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAftermarket references also specifically identify AZ's Mk.VII\/VIII\/IX tooling as compatible with dedicated cockpit-detail accessories, providing additional confirmation of the kit family.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistory of the full-size aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII was one of the most important later developments of the Merlin-powered Spitfire. It was designed as a substantially improved airframe rather than simply another engine\/armament modification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.VIII evolved from the high-altitude Mk.VII and incorporated changes intended to improve the Spitfire's structural strength, aerodynamics and operational capability. The aircraft had an all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage, cantilevered wings, fabric-covered control surfaces and retractable landing gear. The RAAF's official heritage information records a length of 9.54 m, wingspan of 11.23 m, maximum weight of 3,638 kg, range of approximately 1,094 km, ceiling of 43,000 ft, and maximum speed of 669 km\/h for the Mk.VIII represented by its preserved Australian aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eDevelopment and engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.VIII was intended to become the principal new-generation Merlin Spitfire. Its development was complicated by the urgent appearance of the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRather than wait for the completely redesigned Mk.VIII to enter production, Britain produced the Spitfire Mk.IX by adapting the existing Mk.V airframe to accept the more powerful Merlin 60-series engine. This enabled the RAF to field a competitive aircraft much sooner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.VIII subsequently entered production as the more comprehensively redesigned aircraft. Three principal engine\/altitude versions existed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    F Mk.VIII — standard fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    HF Mk.VIII — high-altitude fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    LF Mk.VIII — low-altitude fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA total of approximately 1,652 Mk.VIII aircraft were built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe RAAF operated Mk.VIII aircraft in the South West Pacific, where tropicalised aircraft were particularly important. The Australian War Memorial has photographs documenting tropicalised Mk.VIIIs belonging to No. 457 Squadron RAAF at Morotai in 1945.\n\u003cbr\u003eSpitfire Mk.VIII in RAAF service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.VIII became particularly associated with Australian Spitfire operations during the final phase of the Pacific War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian squadrons including Nos. 79, 452 and 457 Squadrons operated Mk.VIIIs in the South West Pacific. The aircraft were employed increasingly in ground-attack, strafing and tactical-support missions, rather than solely in the fighter-interception role for which the original Spitfire had been designed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe RAAF Mk.VIIIs are especially recognisable for their distinctive tropical camouflage and, in the case of No. 457 Squadron, the famous “Grey Nurse” shark-mouth markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian War Memorial records Spitfire A58-672 of No. 457 Squadron at Morotai in May 1945. The aircraft was issued to the squadron on 7 May 1945 and carried shark's teeth on its nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 457 Squadron flew its first operations from Morotai on 10 February 1945. Its missions included attacks on Japanese camps and shipping and escorting other aircraft involved in attacks. Later in the campaign, the squadron also employed dive-bombing and strafing techniques and participated in the Borneo campaign.\n\u003cbr\u003eAustralian camouflage and markings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRAAF Spitfire Mk.VIIIs are of particular interest to modellers because their markings could differ considerably from standard RAF aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAircraft were delivered from Britain and received RAAF serial numbers after arrival. Camouflage schemes could involve combinations of Foliage Green, Dark Earth, Sky Blue, Azure Blue and other locally applied colours, depending on the aircraft and period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive shark-mouth markings of No. 457 Squadron led to the squadron's nickname “Grey Nurse Squadron.” Australian Mk.VIIIs could also carry individual pilot markings, squadron codes and personal artwork.\n\u003cbr\u003eSurviving RAAF Spitfire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most famous surviving Mk.VIIIs is A58-602, preserved in Australia. The Royal Australian Air Force records that the aircraft was built by Supermarine in England in 1944, shipped to Australia and delivered to the RAAF in April 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt did not see operational service because the war was nearing its end. After the war it was used as an instructional airframe at Sydney Technical College before being restored to flying condition in 1985. It is now associated with the Temora Historic Flight and wears RAAF Mk.VIII camouflage and the markings of Wing Commander R. H. “Bobby” Gibbes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis surviving aircraft provides an excellent real-world reference for the type represented by AZ7518.\n\u003cbr\u003eSelling prices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact AZ7518 is currently listed by Aviation Megastore at €14.83 and marked temporarily out of stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the current EUR\/GBP rate of approximately £0.861 per €1, that converts to approximately £12.76.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA separate JadarHobby listing shows AZ7518 at 65 PLN. Using the ECB's recent reference rate of approximately £0.198 per PLN, that is approximately £12.87.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrice references:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    £12.76 — converted from Aviation Megastore's €14.83 listing; currently temporarily out of stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    £12.87 — converted from JadarHobby's 65 PLN listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese converted figures are indicative retail equivalents, not UK checkout prices; VAT, shipping and retailer exchange rates can change the actual amount paid.\n\u003cbr\u003eIdentification summary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII “RAAF” — 1:72\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: AZ Model\n\u003cbr\u003ePart Number: AZ7518\n\u003cbr\u003eBarcode: 8592016AZ7518\n\u003cbr\u003eScale: 1:72\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII\n\u003cbr\u003eEdition: RAAF\n\u003cbr\u003eCountry: United Kingdom \/ Australian service\n\u003cbr\u003eRole: Single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber\n\u003cbr\u003eEngine: Rolls-Royce Merlin family\n\u003cbr\u003eMaximum speed: Approximately 669 km\/h\n\u003cbr\u003eWingspan: 11.23 m\n\u003cbr\u003eLength: 9.54 m\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction: Approximately 1,652 Mk.VIIIs\n\u003cbr\u003eRAAF operators: Including Nos. 79, 452 and 457 Squadrons\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents: Injection-moulded plastic, clear parts, RAAF decals and illustrated instructions\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AZ Model","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504170017148,"sku":"AZ7518","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/az-model-plastic-model-kit-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii-raaf-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}