Stratus 21689 Polish Wings No. 16 Supermarine Spitfire XVI EN

Stratus 21689 Polish Wings No. 16 Supermarine Spitfire XVI EN is an exceptional book dedicated to the famous British fighter Supermarine Spitfire in its Mk XVI version, directly connected to the fate of Polish pilots during World War II. The author, Wojtek Matusiak, a renowned aviation historian, together with illustrator Robert Grudzień, present in this publication a precisely developed history as well as technical curiosities regarding the service of this model in the Polish Air Forces in the West.

• Category: Modelling book, historical-aviation literature
• Language: English – also available for international enthusiasts
• Number of pages: 88, including 44 colour pages full of high-quality photos and illustrations
• Format: A4, clear binding enabling detailed viewing of visual materials
• Author: Wojtek Matusiak – expert on Polish aviation in World War II
• Illustrations: Robert Grudzień, over 30 colour aircraft profiles
• Publication date: 08.01.2013, ISBN: 978-83-61421-68-9

This publication is based on a detailed analysis of the use of Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI fighters by Polish pilots in RAF squadrons, both in Polish units and within British structures. The Spitfire Mk XVI was a modernized version of the Battle of Britain legend, powered by an American Packard Merlin engine, produced for operations in the final period of World War II (years 1944–1945) – it was in this era that the aircraft was widely used as a bomber escort and for ground support roles.

The book Polish Wings No. 16 is an invaluable source of knowledge for modelers building Spitfires in 1/72, 1/48, 1/32 and 1/24 scale, as well as for aviation history enthusiasts and reenactors. Technical descriptions, rarely published photographs (over 200 archive photos), and color profiles enable accurate reproduction of markings and liveries used by Poles on their Spitfires.

We recommend this book to modelers of all skill levels, and especially to those who want to faithfully and in detail reproduce Spitfire XVI models. As an educational aid and inspiration for building dioramas or collector’s models, this title deserves the highest recognition among the modeling community.

• Difficulty level in modeling use: 1/5 – ideal for both beginners and advanced modelers
• Country of use of the model: United Kingdom, Polish Air Forces (PSP), RAF
• Historical period: World War II, years 1944–1945