The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948

Ahhh, Indian Tempests fighting Pakistani Tempests post World War II! Mix in a dash of Spitfire and one has some interesting possibilities, using World War II designed aircraft but in their most advanced development. 

Let's start with some cool aircraft profiles. I am not completely clear on what scheme the Indians used during the war as there are many IAF Tempest and Spitfire profiles during this period that seem to be at odds with a consistent paint scheme. I am waiting a couple of titles to try and confirm what the IAF used in 1947-48, however, I might just go with a silver aluminum Tempest and a camouflaged Spitfire.

Indian Tempest Mk. II - I am not certain of the use of the Chakra during the actual war

Indian Spitfire Mk. XVIII - I am liking this scheme as a contrast to the Pakistani Tempest below

Pakistani Tempest Mk. II - Nice desert scheme going on here

Planes

Tempest Mark II - Raiden website

Raiden covers the Tempest Mk. II (code GBR011) but the Spitfire is a bit of a puzzle. I've seen profiles of Indian Spitfire Mk. XIVs and Mk. XVIIIs, with the latter artwork including both clipped and unclipped wings (the image above is an unclipped version, but HERE is a Mk. XVIII showing clipped wings and the Mk. XIVe the Indians used would also have had clipped wings). I will have to see what the source material indicates. When I did my 1948 Arab-Israeli project I went with the Spitfires I was able to buy cheaply from Dom's Decals, but not certain if I used the correct model. I like to be historically accurate when possible, but might have to do a little fudging when it comes to the Indian Spitfires. Raiden does make a Mk. XIVc, but with full wing. They also manufacture a Mk. XII that has the clipped wing configuration which to my eye looks pretty close. 

Books

These are two I have been able to find that cover each side and now that I have on order.

• Bharat Kumar - An Incredible War: IAF in Kashmir War 1947-1948. K. W. Publishers, 2013.
• Yawar Mazhar and Usman Shabbir - Eagles of Destiny: Volume 1: Birth and Growth of the Royal Pakistan Air Force 1947-1956. Helion and Company, 2022. 

If I can not glean any scenarios from the source materials, then I am going to go with a mix of four Indian Tempests and two Indian Spitfires, and the Pakistanis will garner six Tempests.

More to come on this little project once the books have been received and delved into.