The successor of the Spitfire Mk. V is the Mk. VIII. The Spitfire Mk. VIII was developed with improved features such as an enlarged rudder, Merlin 60 engine, shortened ailerons, a retractable tail landing gear, and fuel tanks on the edges of the wings. These new features were incorporated into later Spitfire variants. The plane was first used in service in the summer of 1943. Primarily, the Mk. VIII was used on fronts in the Mediterranean and the Pacific, as well as in battles against the Luftwaffe and Italian air forces in North Africa and Italy. The Mk. III also proved itself in battles against the Japanese Zero in China, Burma, India, and Australia. The Mk. VIII's successes led it to be the foundation for later Spitfire aircraft. Kit possesses excellent engraved panel lines and surface features, highly detailed cockpit and full engine (with suitably thin, removable, magnetically secured cowling panels), optional elliptical or extended wingtips, choice of round or pointed rudder, nameplate, and canopy mask. Also features movable elevators, rudder, and ailerons (with metal hinges); optional position flaps, canopy, and cockpit hatch; interchangeable optional position main landing gear; display stand for in-flight configuration; seated and standing pilot figure; vinyl tires and brake lines; 250lb. bombs; choice of 30 and 90 gallon external fuel tanks; select assembly hardware including screws and screwdriver; reference manual, mousepad, and photo-etched parts (instrument panel, cockpit details, and seatbelts). Decals and finishing guide for 3 aircraft: USAAF "Lonesome Polecat" of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, Italy, February 1944; RAAF "Grey Nurse" A58602, CO of No. 80 Wing, Dutch East Indies 1945; and RCAF JF579 of No. 417 Squadron, Italy, January 1944.