The P-40 served the United States Army Air Force throughout the Second World War, fighting in Europe, across Asia and in the deserts of North Africa. While not as maneuverable as the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero, or as fast as the German Messerschmitt Bf109, the P-40B still proved to be a tough opponent. Pilots liked the fact it could often get them home after sustaining heavy damage, as well as being able to inflict it with its armament of six machine guns.

When the diminutive Messerschmitt Bf109 entered service in February 1935, it was one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, clearly heralding the future of fighter design. Produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft, the Bf109 served throughout WWII and was flown by many of the world’s most successful air aces.

When the diminutive Messerschmitt Bf109 entered service in February 1935, it was one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, clearly heralding the future of fighter design. Produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft, the Bf109 served throughout the Second World War and was flown by many of the world's most successful air aces.

Considered revolutionary in 1935, by the start of WWII the earliest versions of The Hurricane with fabric covered wings and two bladed propellers had fallen behind the performance of the best German fighters. Nevertheless, once fitted with 3-blade propellers, these early Hurricanes were very successful during the Battle of Britian in 1940.

First flying in 1939, the Focke-Wulf Fw190 proved to be an immediate threat to RAF fighters when introduced in late 1941, being faster and more manoeuvrable than the Spitfire V then in service. This A-8 version was the most numerous and heavily armed variant, which entered service in 1944, as an attempt to stop the Allied daylight raids, however, by then the new Allied fighters had begun to outclass it.

One of the most significant aircraft in the history of British aviation, the Hawker Siddeley P.1127 was the development forerunner of the famous Harrier and the aircraft which introduced the incredible Bristol Pegasus-vectored thrust jet engine to the world of aviation. Six aircraft were produced, however three were lost to accidents, highlighting the ground-breaking nature of this test programme.

The first production Spitfire Mk.I was delivered to RAF No.19 Squadron at Duxford on 4th August 1938 and heralded the arrival of a future aviation icon. With various upgraded marks of this classic fighter serving throughout WWII, the Spitfire is arguably the most famous fighter aircraft to ever take to the skies.

The first production Spitfire Mk.I was delivered to RAF No.19 Squadron at Duxford on 4th August 1938, heralding the arrival of a future aviation icon. With various upgraded marks of this classic fighter serving throughout the Second World War, the Spitfire is arguably the most famous fighter aircraft to ever take to the skies.

The E.III variant of this historically important fighter aircraft began to arrive on the Western Front at the end of 1915 and proved to be the definitive version of the aircraft. Produced in larger numbers than any other Eindecker, the arrival of large numbers of E.IIIs allowed the Luftstreitkrafte to deploy specialist fighter ‘hunting’ squadrons for the first time.

The reconnaissance Spitfire PR.XIX was unarmed but could fly at 370mph at 40,000 feet and had a range of 1500 miles. Mk.XIX Spitfires represent the 'top end' of development of the Spitfire.

One of the finest fighting aeroplanes in military history, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 series was developed continually throughout the Second World War, with the ‘Gustav’ being the last major variant and the one most heavily produced. Flown by many of the Luftwaffe’s most proficient aces, the 109G was adapted to perform a variety of operational roles and was heavily deployed against the huge USAAF daylight bombing raids which were sent against targets deep into Europe.

Considered by many to be the ultimate Spitfire, the F Mk.22 shared only a very passing resemblance to its early Spitfire ancestors. Equipped with a more powerful Griffon engine as well as a larger tail unit and cut-down rear fuselage, the F Mk.22 was the most powerful Spitfire to see service, as well as the most capable. Serving in only small numbers and too late for the Second World War, the F Mk.22 was the penultimate land based variant of the classic Spitfire design.

By 1943 the RAF needed a dedicated ground attack fighter, and the Typhoon was suited to the role. The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two 1,000lb (454kg) bombs. From September 1943 Typhoons could also be armed with four "60lb" RP-3 rockets.

By 1943, the RAF needed a dedicated ground attack fighter and the Typhoon was suited to the role. The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two 1,000lb (454kg) bombs. From September 1943, Typhoons could also be armed with four, eight or, in some cases, even 12 "60lb" RP-3 rockets.

The North American P-51 Mustang is regarded by many as one of the most iconic American fighters of the Second World War. Designed to fulfil an RAF specification, the Mustang was transformed once the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was installed. The P-51D model's long range and excellent firepower made it a superb escort fighter, able to protect the bombers all the way to Berlin and back. The P-51 is recorded as being the top scoring Allied fighter of the war with 4,950 enemy aircraft destroyed. In 1948 the type designation for the Mustang changed to F-51D and it continued in USAF and RAAF service as a ground attack aircraft through the Korean War.

As you might expect from a new aircraft manufacturer previously involved in the production of railway locomotives, the Henschel Hs123 biplane attack aircraft was as tough as they come. Intended as a dive bomber and close air support aircraft, the Hs123 performed well during its combat introduction in the Spanish Civil War, however, its lack of range and relatively small bomb load saw future development suppressed due to the impending introduction of the monoplane Ju-87 Stuka. Despite this setback, the aircraft still in service at the start of WWII were sent into action, with its pilots perfecting the art of close air support for advancing ground units. Proving to be extremely rugged, these agile little biplanes could absorb significant levels of damage, pressing home their attacks and bringing their pilots home safely. Serving through the Blitzkrieg attacks against Poland, France and the Low Countries, the Hs123 would come into its own during the savage fighting on the Eastern Front, where aircraft would be based close to the front lines, flying several offensive sorties each day. The aircraft proved so effective, that they were only withdrawn from service in the spring of 1944 and only then due to a lack of serviceable aircraft and spares.

• Skill: 2
• Flying Hours: 1
• Number of Parts: 54
• Dimensions (mm): L118 x W137

The Gloster Gladiator was developed from the Gloster Gauntlet as a private venture and represented both the peak and the end of the biplane fighter. In many air arms it smoothed the transition to monoplane fighters. And when confronting aircraft of its own era, it performed well.

As helicopter technology continued to advance apace following the end of the Second World War, the operational flexibility offered by rotary powered aircraft resulted in a race to develop a machine with the power and range to carry both troops and supplies efficiently. The breakthrough came with the introduction of the US Sikorski H-19 Chickasaw, an aircraft which was the envy of the world, with the British military being particularly keen admirers. Having successfully evaluated a number of aircraft, a licence agreement was signed to allow Westland Aircraft based at Yeovil to produce the helicopter for British service. Named the Whirlwind, the first British build prototype flew in August 1953, with the type going on to enter Royal Navy service in July 1954.

First entering RAF service in 1952, the De Havilland Vampire T.11 trainer was the final UK variant of Britain’s second operational jet fighter and the first advanced jet trainer to adopt a side-by-side seating configuration. Unusually, the forward section of the fuselage was constructed of plywood, adopting manufacturing techniques perfected on the famous wartime Mosquito.

• Scale: 1:72

The F4F Wildcat was the US Navy's primary carrier borne fighter aircraft at the start of the Second World War. Characterised by its stubby appearance the Wildcat had been developed as part of a successful range of pre-war biplanes and had entered service with the US Navy a year prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. By the time of the crucial battles for Midway and Guadalcanal the F4F-4 model had become the most numerous variant and new tactics enabled American naval and marine pilots to gain the upper hand on the previously all-conquering Mitsubishi Zero.

An aircraft which has often been described as 'Australia's panic fighter', the decision to build the indigenous Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Boomerang came in the wake of continued Japanese aggression in the Pacific and the need to ensure a continuous future supply of new fighters for the RAAF. By using many sections and components from existing aircraft types under construction in Australia, the first Boomerang was produced just sixteen weeks after the original design decision was made and 250 of these diminutive fighters would eventually be produced. Possessing excellent low altitude performance, the Boomerang would often be used to mark targets for ground attack Corsairs during the latter stages of WWII, a role which earned the distinctive little aircraft the nickname 'Smoky Joe'.

For most RAF pilots serving between 1960 and 1988, the Hunting Aircraft (BAC) Jet Provost is extremely familiar. Forming the backbone of RAF pilot training during this period, the Jet Provost was distinctive by its broad fuselage profile, which allowed for a relatively spacious side-by-side cockpit arrangement.

The diminutive Folland Gnat was originally developed as a light and affordable jet fighter, but went on to be used extensively by the Royal Air Force as an advanced fast jet training aircraft. Entering RAF service in 1959, the Gnat was responsible for training many hundreds of future fast jet pilots during its 20 year service career.

Still a familiar sight at airfields all over the world, the de Havilland Tiger Moth primary trainer made its first flight back in 1931 and went on to provide British and Commonwealth air forces with thousands of trained pilots for their operational squadrons. Performing a similar role to this day, the Tiger Moth allows prospective Warbird pilots to gain valuable experience in flying a tail-dragger aircraft.

Still a familiar sight at airfields all over the world, the de Havilland Tiger Moth primary trainer made its first flight back in 1931 and provided British and Commonwealth air forces with thousands of trained pilots for their operational squadrons. Performing a similar role to this day, the Tiger Moth allows prospective Warbird pilots to gain valuable experience in flying a tail-dragger aircraft.

Building on the success of de Havilland’s earlier twin engined Dove small passenger aircraft, the company’s attempt to produce a slightly larger airliner resulted in the first flight of the Heron in May 1950. Capable of comfortably carrying 17 passengers, the Heron had a longer fuselage and wings than its predecessor and employed an additional pair of Gipsy Queen engines, providing reassurance for crew and passengers alike. Early models of the aircraft were produced with a fixed undercarriage, but the Mk.II variant introduced a number of upgrades and improvements, most noticeably being the adoption of a retractable undercarriage, with the resultant reduction in drag providing a welcome performance boost. Although only 150 were built, Heron’s served with both the RAF and Royal Navy.

A significant post-war achievement for Britain's aviation industry, the Bristol Belvedere was a highly capable, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter which underlined the versatility of modern rotorcraft. Featuring true twin-engine redundancy, the Belvedere could operate safely on just a single engine if required. Surprisingly, only 26 of these helicopters were produced.

During the 1960s and 70s, the sheer variety of aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force must have made this an incredible time to be either a pilot or an aviation enthusiast. Providing the RAF with a capable air engineer, navigation and weapons system operations trainer, the distinguished looking Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.1 started life as one of the world’s first practical executive business jets, with its speed and cabin space making it an ideal candidate for military service. Used to train crews destined for Britain’s V bomber force, or the maritime patrol Nimrod, the Dominie would prove to be one of the RAF’s most useful aircraft types and was only withdrawn from service in January 2011.

A particularly handsome looking aeroplane, the Handley Page Jetstream was a sleek twin engined turboprop aircraft designed as a regional airliner and specifically to satisfy the potentially lucrative US market. The Jetstream offered great promise, especially when an order for 20 aircraft was placed, even before the design drawings had been completed. Re-engining the aircraft with a US Garrett TPE-331 turboprop powerplant resulted in a significant order from the USAF being placed, but this was subsequently cancelled, due to late delivery. Spiralling costs resulted in the bankruptcy of Handley Page, however, production of the Jetstream was taken over by Scottish Aviation and the Jetstream would go on to serve as the RAF’s standard multi-engined pilot trainer for many years and later as an observer trainer with the Royal Navy.

One of the most rugged aircraft ever built, the DHC Beaver was designed to operate in the vast and often inhospitable expanses of the Canadian north and was able to fly into areas where other aircraft simply could not go. With the ability to operate using wheels, skis or floats, the Beaver possessed outstanding STOL capabilities and was specifically designed around the requirements of bush pilots working in these challenging conditions. Also described in many aviation sources as the safest aircraft ever built, the Beaver was also used by many air arms across the world, including Britain's Army Air Corps, who operated 46 of these magnificent aircraft. They were used to great effect as reconnaissance/intelligence gathering aircraft in Northern Ireland during the 1970s and 80s.

The A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the US Navy and Marine Corps. Skyhawks were the Navy's primary light bomber used over North Vietnam. The Argentine air force also used the type during the Falklands War in 1982.

Despite being the most advanced aircraft of WWII, Adolf Hitler insisted that the Me262 be developed into a fast attack bomber, diverting valuable resources from much needed fighter production. Known as the ‘Stormbird’ the attack version included hard points for two 500kg bombs under the nose of the aircraft, with its speed making it almost invulnerable from Allied air interception.

The end of the Second World War saw victorious Allied nations desperately attempting to secure details of German jet technology and high-speed research data which could be applied to their own jet projects. The Soviet Union used information and engine technology obtained from Britain to introduce the diminutive Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949 - one of the most capable of the early jet fighters. 

Even as this aircraft proved effective during the Korean War, the Soviets were already working on its successor. The larger and faster Mig-17 Fresco may have looked like a larger incarnation of its predecessor, yet this was a completely redesigned aircraft, incorporating many improvements over the MiG-15 and a significant upgrade in Soviet jet capability. 

The MiG-17 was designed to perform the role of bomber killer and was never intended as a dogfighter. However, its exceptional agility would allow this aircraft to score combat victories over much heavier and more modern American designs. 

The Vietnam War was a sobering experience for the US Air Force, as some of their modern aircraft fell victim to the guns of the MiG-17. Lighter and much more manoeuvrable than the US aircraft, the subsonic MiG-17 claimed victories over aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas Phantom, resulting in the US developing new agile air superiority fighters. 

Possessing excellent performance, and being cost-effective and easy to maintain, the rugged MiG-17 was produced in large numbers. It became the standard Warsaw Pact fighter from the mid-1950s and for the next decade, with aircraft produced under licence in both China and Poland.

It was an attractive fighter option for many of the world's smaller air forces and more than thirty overseas nations eventually operated the type. Perversely, for a nation against which the MiG-17 was designed to combat, America became home to significant numbers of these aircraft, most coming into the hands of private collectors but a small number used in dissimilar aircraft trials and to perfect combat techniques against smaller, more agile jet fighters. Two beautifully restored examples have also been popular display performers on the US Airshow circuit over the years.

The Swift still holds the honour of being the first swept-wing jet fighter in RAF service. The FR.5 proved itself in the reconnaissance role, winning the NATO 'Royal Flush' reconnaissance competition in 1957 and 1959, conclusively beating off the best types other nations could offer.

One of the most distinctive aircraft of the Second World War, the P-61 Black Widow was the first US aircraft designed specifically for combat at night and the first developed with radar as its primary method of target detection. Powered by two mighty Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines, this was a very big aeroplane for a fighter, but if it managed to detect an enemy aircraft, its impressive array of offensive firepower would usually result in the Black Widow living up to its sinister name. It is thought that a P-61 Black Widow operating in the Pacific Theatre scored the final Allied aerial victory of the Second World War, in the hours just prior to Japan’s surrender.

The Savoia-Marchetti SM79 ‘Sparrowhawk’ was Italy’s main medium bomber of the Second World War and one of the most effective bombers operated by Axis forces. With its unusual three engined configuration, the SM79 was a relatively fast aeroplane, possessing excellent endurance, which made it especially effective in operations over the Mediterranean. As a torpedo bomber, the SM79 earned a reputation for being one of the best anti-shipping aircraft of WWII and should the aircraft have to land on water as a result of damage sustained during an attack, the wooden wings and fabric covered fuselage gave the crew ample time to take to their life rafts. After the armistice with Italy, around 36 ‘Sparrowhawks’ continued to fight with the Germans, some wearing Luftwaffe markings.

Unquestionably one of the most distinctive British aircraft of the Second World War, the Hampden was an impressively manoeuvrable medium bomber which saw extensive service during the early stages of the war, with its narrow 3ft-wide fuselage earning it the nickname of the 'Flying Suitcase'. It was used on the RAF's first bombing raid against Berlin in August 1940.

Skill: 2 Dimensions (mm): L169 x W238 Flying Hours: 2 Number of Parts: 142

Ordered straight from the drawing board in 1935 the Bristol Type 142, later called the Blenheim was, for its time, a very advanced aircraft but by the outbreak of the Second World War it had been overtaken by fighter development.

Seeing service across all the major fronts of the Second World War, the Blenheim was used extensively by the RAF as both a light bomber and fighter before being phased out of service in 1943, replaced by more modern types less vulnerable to enemy fighters.

Ordered straight from the drawing board in 1935 the Bristol Type 142, later called the Blenheim was, for its time, a very advanced aircraft but by the outbreak of the Second World War it had been overtaken by fighter development. Seeing service across all the major fronts of the Second World War, the Blenheim was used extensively by the RAF as both a light bomber and fighter before being phased out of service in 1943, replaced by more modern types less vulnerable to enemy fighters.

The definitive variant of the Beaufighter and certainly the one most heavily produced, the TF.X was a two seat torpedo strike fighter, known colloquially as the Torbeau. Carrying a combination of rockets, cannon and an 18 inch mark XII torpedo, these rugged aircraft attacked shipping at high speed and low altitude, often with rocket firing Beaufighters drawing anti-aircraft fire so the torpedo equipped aircraft could deliver their weapons more effectively.