Forces of Valor 85012 1:72 U.K. SPITFIRE MK. IX

The British Supermarine Spitfire was facing several challenges by mid-1942. The debut of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in late 1941 had caused problems for British fighter squadrons flying the latest Spitfire Mk Vb. By this time Rolls-Royce engineers were already working on a new version of the Merlin incorporating two-stage superchargers: the combination of the improved Merlins and the Spitfire Mk VC airframe in a "stop-gap" design allowed the fighter squadrons to combat the Fw 190 on equal terms. In a second stream of development Supermarine was working on an improved, reinforced Spitfire airframe which incorporated several new features and was designed specifically for the Merlin 60 and 70 series engines. This new airframe later formed the basis for the Rolls-Royce-engine-powered Spitfires.

The Mk IX was brought into production before the Mks VII and VIII. Although the Mk IX's airframe did not have the aerodynamic and strength improvements, or the modified control surfaces of the Mk VII and VIII, the Mk IX proved to be an effective counter to the Focke Wulf Fw 190.