Airfix 17001A 1/24 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc Flying Dray

Accurately recreates the British beer-carrying fighter aircraft from World War II. 

In the summer of 1944, after the D-Day landings, British troops pressing into Normandy faced fierce resistance—and a dry pint glass. Supplies were tight, and morale was vital. So, in one of the war’s most unexpected missions, Spitfire pilots took to the skies not just with ammunition—but with beer.

Ingenious airmen modified drop tanks and strapped barrels beneath their wings, delivering much-needed refreshment to parched troops across the Channel. Some called it “Operation Cheers.” These weren’t official missions. They were flights of morale. Spitfires—symbols of British grit—became airborne drays for a brief, glorious period.

This Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc kit in 1:24 scale includes parts required to truly replicate the beer carrying Spitfires ‘Flying Drays’. This kit is perfect for advanced modellers looking to expand their collection with a classic WWII fighter in a rare and iconic style. Airfix offers a great range of aircraft models that are available both online and in-store.

Included in this special release are high detail resin parts required to truly replicate the beer carrying Spitfires ‘Flying Drays’.

Includes

• 2 x Beer barrels, including lids barrel ends.
  
• 2 x Nose cones (Information available indicates that these were probably made from the rear end of a P-51 drop tank)
  
• 2 x Bomb racks
  
• 1 x Slipper tank.
  
• Canopy masking set