The Short Stirling was the first British heavy bomber to enter service during the Second World War. The Stirling design was characterized by a high wing, four engines and a cabin raised above the fuselage. The aircraft was built entirely of metal. Another feature of the Stirling was the large landing gear. The first Stirlings Mk Is were to equip RAF Bomber Command units from the end of 1940. The first operational mission, against industrial installations in Rotterdam, was carried out in 1941. The Stirling had the capacity to carry a substantial offensive load of over 6,000 kg of bombs, and was armed with eight 7.7 mm machine guns for defensive purposes. The direct evolution of the Mk.I was the Mk.III version, with new, improved Bristol Hercules XVI engines and improved defensive armament.

WARPLANE - STIRLING MK. III - 1/72 - ITALERI 1462 is categorised DIE-CAST AND SCALE MODELS / MODEL KITS / AIRPLANES and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.