Spitfire Mk.IX MK392/JEJ Johnnie Johnson OC No.144 Wing, June 1944, 1:48, Hobby Master

Spitfire Mk.IX MK392/JEJ  Johnnie Johnson OC No.144 Wing, June 1944, 1:48, Hobby Master

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX was developed in response to the appearance of the formidable German Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Initially powered by the two-stage, two-speed supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin 61, the Mk.IX gave the RAF the performance required to regain competitiveness at medium and high altitudes. Although originally conceived as an interim solution, it became one of the most important and numerous Spitfire variants.
MK392 is closely associated with James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson, one of the most successful British fighter pilots of the Second World War. Johnson had already accumulated extensive combat experience before taking command of No. 144 Wing, a fighter formation composed of Canadian squadrons during the Normandy campaign.
In June 1944, Spitfire MK392 carried Johnson's personal code JE-J. During the period surrounding the Allied landings in Normandy, the Spitfires of 144 Wing flew numerous missions over France, including air-superiority patrols, escort duties and attacks against enemy targets.
Like many Allied aircraft involved in D-Day operations, MK392 carried the distinctive black-and-white invasion stripes introduced to enable rapid identification of Allied aircraft by friendly air and ground forces.
Johnnie Johnson finished the war with 34 individual confirmed victories, in addition to shared victories and other aircraft damaged or destroyed on the ground. He became the highest-scoring RAF fighter pilot against enemy aircraft during the Second World War who was never shot down by an enemy fighter.
Spitfire MK392 “JE-J” has become one of the most recognisable Spitfires associated with the Normandy campaign and represents both Johnnie Johnson's distinguished combat career and the intensive operations conducted by Allied fighters following the landings of 6 June 1944.

Scale: 1:48
Approximate length: 19.8 cm
Approximate wingspan: 23.4 cm
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Original Reference: HA8301
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX
Serial: MK392
Code: JE-J
Pilot: Wing Commander James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson
Unit: No. 144 Wing RAF
Air Force: Royal Air Force
Period: June 1944
Limited Edition
Primarily diecast metal construction with some plastic components
Realistic panel lines and exterior details
Highly detailed markings and insignia
Opening canopy
Pilot figure included
Landing gear configurable in extended or retracted position
Rotating propeller
Highly detailed armament
Display stand included
Factory assembled and painted
Recommended Age: 14 years and over