Airfix 1/72 D-Day Fighters Gift Set Plastic Model Kit

The importance of the role air power played in the months leading up to D-Day cannot be overstated, with the Allied powers knowing that securing superiority of the skies over the proposed landing beaches could be the difference between success and failure of the entire operation. 

That being the case, Allied air forces were committed in ever-increasing numbers from the end of 1943, attacking airfields, supply infrastructure and other strategic targets, and mounting hundreds of diversionary attacks. This was all intended to keep German forces guessing as to the location of the anticipated invasion, but all the time diminishing their ability to respond to the landings when they came. 

With so many Allied aircraft expected to be in the air supporting Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders were concerned about the possibility of their aircraft coming under attack from friendly forces both in the air and from anti-aircraft units on the ground. 

They issued a directive that all aircraft (with some exceptions, including four-engined heavy bombers) be painted with identification markings around their wings and rear fuselage, under the strictest levels of security. 

The order to begin applying markings to troop transport, aircraft was not issued until 3rd June 1944, with other units receiving their instructions the following day. This move placed additional pressure on airfield staff already working at maximum capacity. 

On D-Day itself, over 13,000 individual sorties were flown by Allied aircraft in support of the amphibious landings and although around 127 aircraft were lost for various reasons during those operations, it's thought that the adoption of invasion makings significantly reduced numbers succumbing to incidents of friendly fire on that momentous day. 

Although the Luftwaffe were conspicuous by their absence on D-Day itself, they fought tenaciously in the weeks and months which followed, highlighting the fact that they were far from finished.

Model kits included: 

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc – 26 parts.

North American P-51D Mustang – 53 parts.

Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 – 41 parts.

Hawker Tempest Mk.V – 72 parts.

Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 – 53 Parts.

This remarkable D-Day Fighters Gift Set features five renowned aircraft that played crucial roles in the skies during Operation Overlord and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. Each model is meticulously designed at a 1:72 scale, showcasing the unique invasion markings that Allied planes bore during these significant operations. The set comprises the 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 Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 (53 parts), providing modellers with a thorough collection that represents both sides of this historic aerial engagement.

Key Features

• Five legendary fighter aircraft from D-Day operations in 1:72 scale
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc with 26 parts
• North American P-51D Mustang with 53 parts
• Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 with 41 parts
• Hawker Tempest Mk.V with 72 parts
• Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 with 53 parts
• Skill Level 1 - ideal for both novice and seasoned modellers
• Complete gift set with all necessary components to assemble all five aircraft

History

The critical role of air power in the lead-up to D-Day was undeniable, as the Allies understood that achieving air dominance over the intended landing zones could determine the operation's success or failure.

Consequently, from late 1943, Allied air forces were deployed in growing numbers, targeting airfields, supply lines, and other strategic sites, while conducting numerous diversionary raids. These efforts aimed to confuse German forces about the invasion's location while weakening their capacity to counter the landings.

With a large number of Allied planes expected to support Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders worried about the risk of friendly fire incidents from both air and ground anti-aircraft units.

A directive was issued for all aircraft (excluding some, like four-engined heavy bombers) to be marked with identification stripes on their wings and rear fuselage, under strict security measures.

The directive to apply these markings to troop transport planes was given on 3rd June 1944, with other units receiving orders the next day, adding to the workload of already busy airfield personnel.

On D-Day, Allied aircraft flew over 13,000 sorties in support of the landings, and although approximately 127 planes were lost for various reasons, the use of invasion markings is believed to have significantly reduced friendly fire incidents on that historic day.

While the Luftwaffe was notably absent on D-Day itself, they continued to fight vigorously in the following weeks and months, proving they were not yet defeated.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trademark of BAE Systems plc. The distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress of North American are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.

Key Specifications

• Finish: Plastic
• Skill Level: 1

Full Specifications