A distinctive limited-edition 1:72 scale two-aircraft set commemorating the pioneering photographic reconnaissance work of RAF No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit during the Second World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA99110 contains a de Havilland Mosquito PR.Mk IV and a Supermarine Spitfire PR.VII Type G associated with operations from RAF Benson in England.
No. 1 PRU became one of the Royal Air Force's most important specialist reconnaissance units. Its aircraft operated without conventional offensive armament, relying instead on speed, altitude and careful mission planning to photograph enemy installations, industrial targets and military movements across occupied Europe.
The Mosquito represents aircraft DZ473, which was converted from a B.Mk IV airframe to photographic reconnaissance standard and equipped with Williamson F.52 cameras. During a mission on 22nd April 1943, Flight Lieutenants Bill White and Ron Prescott photographed railway facilities at Stettin before continuing across the German coast.
The cameras were reportedly left operating during the return journey, producing important photographic evidence connected with German rocket development. The speed, range and large internal capacity of the Mosquito made it exceptionally well suited to these long-distance intelligence-gathering missions.
The accompanying Spitfire represents aircraft R7059. Originally constructed as a Spitfire Mk I, it was converted into PR.VII Type G configuration during 1941 and subsequently served with No. 1 PRU before later transferring to No. 8 Operational Training Unit.
Both aircraft are reproduced in the distinctive blue finish associated with RAF photographic reconnaissance operations. The understated markings and absence of conventional fighter camouflage give the set a particularly unusual appearance compared with standard wartime Spitfire and Mosquito releases.
Released in 2002 and limited to 5,000 sets worldwide, AA99110 is particularly appealing to collectors of RAF reconnaissance aircraft and multi-model Aviation Archive releases. The set features extensive diecast construction, clear cockpit glazing, detailed crew positions, rotating propellers, removable landing gear and the original presentation display stands.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA99110
Set: RAF No. 1 PRU Reconnaissance Two-Piece Set
Aircraft One: de Havilland Mosquito PR.Mk IV
Mosquito Serial: DZ473
Mosquito Crew: Flight Lieutenants Bill White and Ron Prescott
Aircraft Two: Supermarine Spitfire PR.VII Type G
Spitfire Serial: R7059
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit
Role: High-speed photographic reconnaissance
Theatre / Base: RAF Benson, England
Date/Period: Second World War, 1941–1943
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Number of Models: Two aircraft
Limited Edition Size: 5,000 sets worldwide
Release Year: 2002
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited-edition two-aircraft release, Mosquito DZ473, Spitfire R7059, distinctive RAF photographic reconnaissance blue finishes, clear cockpit glazing, detailed crew positions, rotating propellers, removable landing gear and original presentation display stands
Model Dimensions
Mosquito Length: 6.75" or 17.1 cm
Mosquito Width (Wingspan): 9" or 22.9 cm
Spitfire Length: 5" or 12.7 cm
Spitfire Width (Wingspan): 6.25" or 15.9 cm