Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk X

Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk X    SR396
No 542 Squadron,   2nd TAF,   RAF Benson ,   January 1944.

The Spitfire PR Mk X came into being due to a requirement by the RAF for a high altitude PR Spitfire with the new two stage supercharged Merlin 60 Series engine, previously the RAF had been operating converted Spitfire Mk Vs. The result was a marriage of F Mk VIII fuselage fitted with PR Mk XI wings with additional modifications including a deeper chin to accomodate a larger oil tank. The Spitfire PR Mk XI was developed from the Spitfire Mk IX and was available before the Mk X due to the lack of availabilty of Spitfire Mk VIII airframes. This resulted in the Mk XI entering sevice before the Mk X. Success of the Mk XI meant that only sixteen Spitfire PR Mk Xs were built, the majority of which went to either 541 or 542 Squadron. The Spitfire Mk X could carry a combination of cameras in the fuselage mounted behind the pilot either pointing straight down or through the radio access door. SR396 seved with 542 Squadron and was one of several PR Spitfires of the time to be painted ‘pink’. SR396 is not only a rare aircraft but carries an unusual colour scheme. It is thought this colour scheme was used to camouflage the aircraft while flying at dawn and dusk.

Scale 1:72    Wingspan 6.25″ (156 mm)
Base size 6.37″ (162 mm) square (No. 4)
Weight not including base 6.75 ozs (190 grams)     Limited edition of 50 only