Airfix A04070 de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI/B.35/TT.35 1:72

Recommended price £24.99  A 1:72 scale model of an de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI/B.35/TT.35.  From 1944, the de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI was delivered to front line squadrons. The B.XVI was a development of the earlier B.IX variant, but a new pressurised cabin had been incorporated so the aircraft could operate at high altitude. 

Although it was unarmed, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000Ib bomb load. Not long after the start of B.XVI production, modifications were incorporated on the production line to allow a 4,000Ib ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability. 

Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII.

By this time, with its first test flight on 12 March 1945, the last bomber version of the Mosquito, B.35, was at an advanced stage of development. Powered by the Merlin 113/114 engine, the war ended before the B.35 entered service. However, it had a long career with the post-war RAF, serving operationally until early 1954.