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Code: SO-S7200005    Add to wishlist
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available.

Solido War Master S7200005
Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI Diecast Model
USAAF 416th NFS, X7929, Corsica, 1944

Limited Edition

1:72 Scale   Length   Width
Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI   7"   9.75"

Established in February 1943 as the 416th Night Fighter Squadron was assigned to the 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group, Orlando Air Base, Florida for training.

After completing its initial training by April, the squadron crossed the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Elizabeth and landed in the United Kingdom on 11 May. Pausing briefly for training under VIII Fighter Command the Squadron was attached to the Royal Air Force) for familiarization in theater night fighter techniques. There, it was equipped with RAF Bristol Beaufighters through a "reverse Lend-Lease" program until an American aircraft could be produced. Upon arrival in England the squadron received additional training with Royal Air Force night fighter units at several bases in early 1943 achieving the first victory on 24 July. Through the summer, they conducted daytime convoy escort and strike missions, but thereafter flew primarily at night.

The defeat of German, Italian, and Vichy French forces in North Africa allowed the 416th to move with other allied forces into Italy in September 1943. During its first year there, the squadron patrolled harbors and escorted shipping; however, in September 1944 the 416th shifted to more aggressive activities to provide defensive cover for the Fifth Army and make intruder sweeps into enemy territory. Also continued defensive patrols and offensive night attacks on Axis positions on Sardinia, Corsica, and in Southern France.

With the fall of Germany, the unit became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe army of occupation. Moved in August 1945 to AAF Horsching, Austria, for occupation duties. A year later, the 416th relocated to AAF Schweinfurt, Germany, where it inactivated on 9 November 1946.

Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI

Designed to counter the growing threat of the Luftwaffe, the British Bristol Beaufighter-known as "Beau"-first flew on July 17th, 1939. The rugged Beaufighter had two-speed supercharged radial engines mounted well ahead of the wing leading edges. The cockpit was located in the snub nose, which gave the pilot an excellent forward view. A navigator, wireless operator and rear gunner were positioned in a rear cupola. The Beau's premier role was as a nightfighter, but it was also used as a long-range fighter and developed into an antishipping and ground attack cannon rocket-firing fighter, torpedo plane and tactical bomber.

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Solido War Master

The Solido "War Master" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.

Solido "War Master" diecast airplanes feature:

  • Diecast metal and plastic construction.
  • Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
  • Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
  • Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.    

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