Hawker Typhoon Mk IB
Hawker Typhoon Mk IB MN134 SF-S
137 Squadron F/O A.N. Sames, Manston, June 1944.
Supermarine were able to develop the Spitfire throughout World War II,
and it was still recognisable as R J Mitchell's design even though just
about everything had been changed. Hawker on the other hand had to develop
an entirely new aircraft to succeed the Hurricane
Mk IIC, and while the Typhoon had problems early in its development,
particularly with its powerful but not always reliable Napier Sabre
engine, by mid-1944 the Typhoon had found its well-remembered role as
a tough low-level attack platform. Most of the Typhoon squadrons were
deployed across the Channel as soon as possible after D-day, but two
were retained in South-East England. 137 Squadron's primary task was
anti-shipping patrols, but it obtained permission to carry out anti-"Diver"
(VI "flying bombs) patrol when not occupied with the main mission.
MN134 was the squadron's top-scoring VI destroyer, responsible for nine;
three of these were to the credit of Fg.Off. Arty Sames, the only Typhoon
VI "ace". By the end of 1944 the squadron was based at Eindhoven,
by which time the black and white "invasion stripes" had been
removed from the upper surfaces and the spinner painted red. Typhoon
MN134 was damaged on the last day of the year, and saw no further active
service.
Scale 1:72 Wingspan 6.93" (176 mm) Base
size 7.71" (196 mm) square (No. 5)
Weight not including base 10.75 ozs (298 grams)
Price £115.00 plus delivery
