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Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Spitfire>HA7110

Spitfire XIV "RM683/AE-N" Sqn. Ldr. W G Dodd, No. 402 Sqn. RCAF, Hawkinge, 26 August 1944
HA7110
General Background
Spitfire Mk XIV was the most important Griffon-engined Spitfire. It was powered by a 2,035hp Griffon 65 engine based on the Mk. VIII fuselage. Given its superior performance, the Mk.XIVs were used extensively to intercept the high speed V-1 flying bombs from Germany. In the European continent the aircraft was mainly used as armed reconnaissance searching for enemy targets.

Probably one of the best-known fighters of WWII the Spitfire had a big psychological effect at home and in Germany. With its great performance the British were given hope of surviving the Battle of Britain and the German pilots learned to respect its fighting capabilities. It wasn't the workhorse the Hurricane was but the great handling capabilities along with its great looks made the Spitfire a WWII icon. The plane was also used very successfully in a reconnaissance role and was the only Allied fighter in production for the entire WWII years.
The Aircraft
In July 1944 Squadron Leader Wilbert Dodd was appointed C/O of 402nd Squadron RCAF at Hawkinge. He was assigned Spitfire XIV RM683/AE-N that had flown its first 402nd operation on August 10th on a V-1 patrol. Dodd flew his first operation on August 26, 1944 over the Compiegne region. Dodd was only with the 402nd until October 1944 but RM683 was now piloted by Flg. Off. Sherk who destroyed an Fw-190 near Aachen on Christmas day. RM683 survived WWII and eventually was transferred to the Belgian Air Force
Specifications :
Basic Information :  
Country of origin: Britain
Classification: single-engine fighter
Crew: 1
Production: first produced in 1943
Number produced: 950 of all XIV variants
Dimensions:  
Wingspan: 36ft 10in (11.23m)
Length: 32ft 8in (9.96m)
Performance:  
Powerplant: 1 X Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 12 cylinder liquid-cooled engine 2,035hp (1,517kW)
Speed max: 447mph (720km/h)
Range: 460 miles (740 km) on internal tanks
Ceiling max:

42,978ft (13,100m)

Weight:  
Empty: 6,603lb (2,995kg)
Maximum: 10,285lb (4,665kg)
Armament: 2 X 20mm (.078in) Hispano cannons
  4 X Browning 7.7mm (0.303in) machine guns
  Up to a 1,000lb (454kg) payload with other options possible