The Forces of Valor... these are the men that fought the battles. They came from every nation and every creed to battle on their countries behalf. Today’s fighting forces are similar to those of the past. The makeup of men, now joined by women, remains basically the same. Acts of heroism, keen determination, and sheer willpower define today’s Forces of Valor…

Forces of Valor vehicles and aircraft feature true-to-life detail with lots to discover and explore… tank tracks that really roll along their independent suspension… hatches & access ports that reveal internal compartments… turrets & gun barrels that maneuver just like they did in battle… all these exacting details bring these combat proven machines to life!

Historical Note:    The British Supermarine Spitfire was facing several challenges by mid-1942. The debut of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in late 1941 had caused problems for British fighter squadrons flying the latest Spitfire Mk Vb. By this time Rolls-Royce engineers were already working on a new version of the Merlin incorporating two-stage superchargers: the combination of the improved Merlins and the Spitfire Mk VC airframe in a "stop-gap" design allowed the fighter squadrons to combat the Fw 190 on equal terms. In a second stream of development Supermarine was working on an improved, reinforced Spitfire airframe which incorporated several new features and was designed specifically for the Merlin 60 and 70 series engines. This new airframe later formed the basis for the Rolls-Royce-engine-powered Spitfires.
The Mk IX was brought into production before the Mks VII and VIII. Although the Mk IX's airframe did not have the aerodynamic and strength improvements, or the modified control surfaces of the Mk VII and VIII, the Mk IX proved to be an effective counter to the Focke Wulf Fw 190. 

Info:    U.K. Spitfire Mk.IX