Sword 72155 - 1:72 Supermarine Seafire Mk.XV

Supermarine Seafire Mk.XV carrier fighter model kit in 1:72 scale

The Sword 72155 kit depicts the Supermarine Seafire Mk.XV, a navalized Spitfire variant powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine and equipped with folding wings for carrier operations. The Mk.XV entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in the final phase of World War II and remained in use in the early post-war years, bridging the gap between piston-engine fighters and the first generation of carrier jets.

Kit contents:

• Injection-molded plastic parts in 1:72 scale
• Clear canopy parts
• Decals for several Fleet Air Arm aircraft
• Assembly instructions and painting guide

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72155
• Manufacturer: Sword
• Type: carrier-based fighter aircraft
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modeling tools.

Building process:

This model is aimed at intermediate modelers. Careful assembly is needed for the folding wings and cockpit details. Decals allow for several Royal Navy marking schemes from 1945–1947.

Recommended tools:

• Model knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sanding sticks
• Paintbrushes or airbrush
• Plastic cement
• Paints for Fleet Air Arm camouflage schemes

About the Supermarine Seafire Mk.XV:

The Seafire Mk.XV was a carrier-capable development of the Spitfire, designed for Royal Navy use. Powered by a 1,850 hp Rolls-Royce Griffon VI engine and fitted with folding wings, it reached speeds of over 600 km/h. The aircraft was armed with 20 mm Hispano cannons, Browning machine guns and could carry bombs or rockets. While too late to see major WWII combat, it served actively in the immediate post-war period as the Fleet Air Arm’s main piston-engine fighter.

Technical data of the original aircraft:

• Length: 9.4 m
• Wingspan: 11.2 m
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Griffon VI engine, 1,850 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 605 km/h
• Armament: 2 × 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, 4 × 7.7 mm Browning MGs, bombs or unguided rockets

Sword – the manufacturer:

Sword is a Czech model manufacturer specializing in 1:72 aircraft kits. Their range focuses on less mainstream but historically important subjects, known for accurate shapes and interesting marking options, such as the Seafire, Crusader, and Skyray.