Supermarine Spitfire MkIXe Fighter Aircraft "ML407 Sq Ldr John Johnnie Houlton No485 Sqn Chailey" (1944) British Royal Air Force "The Aviation Archi
Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Supermarine Spitfire MkIXe Fighter Aircraft "ML407 Sq Ldr John Johnnie Houlton No.485 Sqn Chailey" (1944) British Royal Air Force "The Aviation Archive" Series die cast model by Corgi. Brand new box. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Includes display stand. Officially licensed product. Manufacturers original unopened packaging. Dimensions approximately Length- 5.25 Wingspan- 6.25 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy realistic feel. It is a highly detailed and accurate model perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Realistic panel lines antennas access panels and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane. HISTORY ASPECTS:The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXC ML407 bearing the code OU-V was flown by Pilot Officer (P/O) John "Johnny" Houlton of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during World War II. This aircraft served with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron RAF a unit known for its distinguished service in the European theater. The Spitfire Mk IXC was developed as a direct response to the appearance of the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 which had outclassed earlier Spitfire models. The Mk IXC variant equipped with a Merlin 61 engine significantly enhanced the aircrafts performance making it one of the RAFs most effective fighters.ML407 played a crucial role in several key operations including the Normandy invasion on D-Day June 6 1944. On that historic day P/O Johnny Houlton achieved a notable feat by claiming the first Allied aerial victory over Normandy. Houlton and his squadron were on a mission to provide air support for the invading forces when they encountered a German Junkers Ju 88 bomber. Houlton successfully engaged and shot down the bomber marking a significant contribution to the air su