| Model manufacturer: | Hobby Master Aircraft |
| Order code: | HA8307 |
| Scale: | 1:48 |
| Material: | Combined (Metal / Plastic) |
| Weight: | 0.9 kg |
| Registration number: | MH883 |
| Dimensions: | 19.7×23.5 cm (L×W) |
| Air company: | RAAF |
| Aircraft manufacturer: | Spitfire |
The Mk. IX replaced the Mk. V in June 1942 and on September 12, 1942 a Mk. IX brought down a Ju-86R flying at 43,000 feet. Another major achievement of the Mk. IX took place on October 5, 1944 when 401 Squadron became the first allied aircraft to shoot down an Me-262 jet. Even with the arrival of the Griffon powered Mk. XIV the Mk. IX continued in service until the end of WWII. There were 5,665 Mk. IX Spitfires and its variants produced.
George “Buzz or Screwball” Beurling accumulated 27 victories on Malta during 1942 and was wounded. In September 1943 George joined the 403 Squadron RCAF for a brief period before moving to the 412 Squadron RCAF as Flight Commander. Beurling was a nonconformist and without clearance would sometimes break from formation and attack an enemy aircraft. George
Beurling was a master of deflection shooting and in April 1944 when he returned to Canada to promote war bonds he had a total of 31 victories. During the bond campaign George was so graphic about his victories that his involvement was cancelled. Somewhat ironically Beurling survived many encounters with enemy fighters during WWII only to be killed in 1948 while taking off in a Noorduyn Norseman. The aircraft engine shut down while departing the Aeroporto
dell'Urbe in Rome en route to Israel.
