Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options (Level 1) 1/72 Plastic Model Kit by Airfix

Brand new plastic model kit of Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options (Level 1) 1/72 plastic model kit by Airfix. Brand new box. Vintage style packaging. Officially licensed product. Contains 74 detailed parts. Does NOT include display stand. Paint and cement required (not included). Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Parts molded in LIGHT GRAY, unless otherwise indicated. Includes decals to design the plane in 2 different schemes. Dimensions approximately L-5.25, W-6.75 inches assembled. HISTORY ASPECTS: The Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB was a British fighter-bomber that became one of the most effective ground-attack aircraft of World War II. Initially conceived as a high-altitude interceptor to replace the Hawker Hurricane, the Typhoon faced early performance and structural issues after its debut in 1941. Despite these challenges, its powerful Napier Sabre engine, which enabled speeds of over 400 mph, and heavy armament of four 20mm Hispano cannons positioned it as a formidable low-altitude fighter. Its development eventually pivoted to fulfilling the critical role of a tactical support aircraft, excelling in ground-attack operations. The Typhoon rose to prominence during the Normandy Campaign in 1944. Armed with rockets and bombs, it provided close air support for Allied ground forces, decimating enemy armor, supply lines, and fortified positions. Its ability to strike with precision and sheer firepower earned it the nickname "Tank Buster" among Allied troops. The Typhoon’s role in disrupting German reinforcements was instrumental during key operations such as Operation Market Garden and the advance across the Rhine. Pilots of the Typhoon displayed exceptional bravery, often flying through intense anti-aircraft fire to deliver their devastating payloads. By the end of the war, the Typhoon had solidified its legacy as a crucial component of the RAF’s tactical air forces. Its adaptability and effectiveness on the battlefield made it a symbol of Allied air superiority in the European theater. Though production ceased shortly after the war, the Typhoon’s innovations in air-ground coordination and its contributions to key victories ensured its place in aviation history. This 1:72 scale model showcases the iconic lines and detailed armament that made this aircraft a legend of WWII. Perfectly crafted with historical accuracy, this replica is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts, celebrating the legacy of one of the RAF’s most potent ground-attack aircraft.