Designed by R.J. Mitchell, the Spitfire was based on his very fast, pre-war seaplane, the S6. It was powered by a 1,030-hp Rolls Royce Merlin engine and had a top speed of 365 mph. This was not as fast as the German equivalent fighter, the Messerschmitt 109 which had a top speed of 375 mph. The Spitfire, however, was more manoeuvrable with amazing acceleration and, because of its lower wing loading, was able to turn inside the Messerschmitt. The destructive capability of the Spitfire was 8 x .303 Browning machine guns mounted on the wings. These proved very effective against both the fighters and bombers of the German Luftwaffe. This highly detailed Supermarine Spitfire MK1 model is made from pewter and is supplied in a box. The box has a battle plan of the UK on the inside and images of Battle of Britain planes on the outside. Historical information on the Battle of Britain and each aeroplane is located on the box too.