Corgi AA29104 Aviation Archives

Corgi Aviation Archives series AA29104 is a 1/72 scale diecast model of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, named “Porky II”, flown by Lt. Robert Connor, 309th Fighter Squadron (309th FS), 31st Fighter Group (31st FG), USAAF, Tunisia, 1943.

“Porky II”

Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX

Developed in late 1941 as a stop-gap measure to counter the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Spitfire Mk. IX was based on the Mk Vc airframe but was modified to accommodate the more powerful Merlin 61 engine used in the Mk. VII and Mk. VIII, which were still a year from entering service.

The Spitfire Mk. IX first flew in April 1942 and became the most numerous variant, remaining in production and service until the end of the War. Manufactured in several sub-variants, including the standard Mk. IX, a low-altitude LF Mk. IX (the most produced sub-variant), the high-altitude HF Mk. IX, unarmed Photo Reconnaissance PR Mk. IXs, and the FR. IXs carried a single port-facing oblique camera.

Propulsion was by a single Rolls-Royce Merlin liquid-cooled V-12 piston engine, driving a four-bladed Rotol propeller. Armament included two cannons and two machine guns in the wings, as well as the capability to carry up to 230 kg (500 lb) of bombs on under-wing racks or on the fuselage centerline.