Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk.XIX - PS852, Flt. Lt. Ted Powles, 81 Squadron, RAF Tengah, 1951, 'High Altitude of 51,500ft'

1:72 Scale.  Length: 5".  Wingspan: 6.1"


Limited Edition of 1000 Models Worldwide

While on detachment to RAF Tengah in Singapore, this Spitfire flew some of the last and most dangerous reconnaissance missions of any Spitfire. Operating from Singapore it flew missions over occupied China, ranging over the nearby Hainan Island, running the gauntlet of Chinese air defenses.

It was in this Spitfire on February 5, 1952 that Flt. Lt. Ted Powles recorded a record altitude for a Spitfire of 51,550 ft. while on a survey flight over Hong Kong. However, the cabin pressure fell below a safe level and, while trying to reduce altitude, he entered an uncontrollable dive which was recovered at only 3,000 ft., by which time it had reached an air speed nearing 700 mph.

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries during World War II and into the 1950s as a front line fighter and in secondary roles. The Spitfire was first flown on March 5, 1936 and entered service with the RAF on August 4 1938. It served in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter bomber, carrier-based fighter, and trainer. The Spitfire was built in many variants, using several wing configurations. It was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft and was the only British fighter in continuous production throughout the war. When production ended in February 1948, a total of 20,351 Spitfires of all variants had been built.


The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Spitfire Mk.XIX by Corgi features: