A50192 1:72 D-Day Fighters Gift Set

About this item

The role air power played in the months leading up to D-Day cannot be overstated. From the end of 1943, Allied air force planes were used for attacking airfields, supply infrastructure and other strategic targets. The intention was to keep German forces guessing as to the location of the anticipated invasion while diminishing their ability to respond to the landings when they came. There was so much air support during Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders were concerned about the possibility of their aircraft coming under attack from friendly forces in the air or from anti-aircraft units on the ground. A directive that all aircraft (some exceptions, like the four-engined heavy bombers) be painted with identification markings around their wings and rear fuselage. On D-Day, over 13,000 individual sorties were flown by Allied aircraft in support of the amphibious landings. Around 127 aircraft were lost, but it is thought that the markings significantly reduced the numbers. This 1:72 model kit includes parts to build 5 models: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc – 26 parts, North American P-51D Mustang – 53 parts, Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 – 41 parts, Hawker Tempest Mk.V – 72 parts and the Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 – 53 Parts. Also includes instruction sheets, paint guide, acrylic paint, poly cement, brushes and decal sheet. Item Length 14.4cm x Width 17.4cm. Wingspan 17.4cm.