Cobi 5764 - World War II - Supermarine Spitfire MK.IXE 364 pcs

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX was designed as a response to the advantage of the Luftwaffe and such machines as the modern Messerschmitt Bf 109G and Focke-Wulf Fw 190A.

A new version was created based on the Mk.VC version - equipped with a powerful Merlin 61 engine, adapted for fighting at high altitudes. This is how the Mk. IX version was born, considered by many pilots to be the best Spitfire in the entire series.

The model from COBI with the inscription "Mary Rose" on the side is inspired by an authentic machine from World War II. The Spitfire Mk.IX with serial number EN199, currently located in the Malta Aviation Museum, is painted in desert camouflage, which refers to its service in 81

Squadron in North Africa in 1943. The aircraft was piloted by Wing Commander R. Berry, and his initials were used as code letters on the machine. EN199 has a rich operational history, participating in operations in both North Africa and Malta.

After the end of the war, the aircraft was handed over to the Malta Air Scouts. It was on display outside from 1947 to 1974. Unfortunately, during this time it was damaged by vandalism, weathering and partial dismantling. What remained of the aircraft was recovered and stored. In the 1990s, it was handed over to a group of volunteers who, over a period of two and a half years, using both new and salvaged parts from across Malta, completed its restoration in 1995.