A large scale replica of the De Havilland constant speed variable pitch airscrew. This was a key engineering element in the battle winning performance of the RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes, allowing maximum power to be used efficiently across a broad airspeed range.

Hand crafted with cast aluminium blades, cast metal mechanism parts and a machined aluminium spinner, this remarkable replica features a realistic variable pitch operation. The spinner is removable, allowing the rotating counterweight mechanism to be viewed.

Orders are being taken now for a proposed release date of December 2007. These models are supplied direct to you from Corgi. Pre-order is essential.

After successful trials the MOD agreed to a request on June 17th 1940 to convert all Spitfires and Hurricanes to carry variable-pitch airscrew units. Changing the propellers pitch, the angle at which is bites into the air, makes the aircraft much more responsive and makes much more efficient use of the power available. This also allows the engine to run at maximum power through a much greater speed range, greatly improving the flight and air combat manouvering performance of the RAFs' fighters.

Surprisingly, when the Spitfire Mk I first appeared its airscrew was already obsolete. This was a two-bladed and fixed pitch mahogany propeller, as opposed to the variable pitch airscrew fitted to the Me 109. Changing a propeller's pitch, the angle at which a blade bites into the air, is akin to changing gear in a car, and so being able to select either 'coarse' or 'fine' pitch made an aircraft more responsive. Variable pitch propellers, with just those two settings, were rushed into service, but already the Germans were ahead, having upgraded to Constant Speed (CS) units. These allowed the pilot to change the pitch meaning that the optimum pitch for any given circumstance could be selected. Engineers from De Havilland rapidly converted Spitfire and Hurricane airscrews in the field just in time for the Battle of Britain, and from that time on CS propellers were fitted as a factory standard.

This remarkable model features the De Havilland Constant Speed propeller, as fitted to the Spitfire Mk IA, and cleverly replicates the rotating counter balance weights' motion. Eventually a fourth, then fifth blade was added to the Spitfire's propeller, and there was even a contra-rotating example fitted to a Griffon engine variant. The CS propeller was an extremely important step forward in Spitfire development, and one which permitted RAF pilots to meet the Luftwaffe on more equal terms.

Replica Features

• 1:3 scale replica
• Extensively researched to ensure absolute authenticity
• Realistic variable pitch operation
• Removable spinner to reveal variable pitch mechanism
• Hand crafted, polished wooden display base
• Product name plate incorporated into the wooden base
• Replica will feature cast aluminium blades, sandcast metal variable pitch mechanism and a machined aluminium spinner.
• Polished wooden display base with tilting alloy stand
• Product name plate incorporated into the wooden base
• Available to order now
• Limited Edition, only 250 pieces being produced worldwide