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12th US Army Air Force, Le Vallon, Souther France, Sept. 1944 "KW147
- 1:72 Scale
- Stand Included
The Beaufighter Mk. VIF was a night-fighter version of the Mk. VI that was equipped with
AI Mark VIII radar. The Mk. VI had the improved Hercules engines with over 1,000 aircraft
of this variant being made. Most of the Beau night-fighters were eventually replaced in
this role by the faster Mosquito but the Beau continued to fight on performing anti-
shipping duty as well as ground attack and long range interdiction. The Beaufighter was
produced in 14 variants and operated by 11 countries.
The 415th NFS (Night Fighter Squadron) known as “The Nitefiters” was activated on
February 8, 1943 with its first posting to Algeria in June. As part of the 12th USAAF the
squadron flew reverse lend-lease night-fighter Bristol Beaufighters that retained the
standard RAF night fighter scheme but with US markings.. During 1943 the 415th flew in
the MTO and in 1944 and 1945 they moved to France and eventually into Germany.
Their first station in France was Le Vallon from September 1st – 25th 1944. The
squadron was inactivated September 1, 1947.
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