Item No. 51039 - 1/144 Grumman X-29 Prototype No.2
The American company Grumman was the developer of the experimental X-29 aircraft that first flew on 14 December 1984. It was based on an F-5A Freedom Fighter airframe, but it also used some elements from the F-16. The X-29’s most notable feature was its forward-swept wings, making it look in some ways as though it was flying backwards! Indeed, it was only the world’s second aircraft to fly with such a wing configuration, with the first having been the German WWII-era Junkers Ju 287. In addition, the X-29 used advanced technologies such as carbon-fiber composite materials, canard control surfaces and a digital fly-by-wire system that was necessary due to its inherently unstable aerodynamic design. This computerized flight control system input up to 40 corrections per second. Just two X-29 aircraft were produced and NASA used them for a test program. The first supersonic flight occurred in 1985, and the General Electric F404 turbofan engine enabled a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.
Dragon Warbirds has recreated a 1/144 scale miniature of the second X-29 prototype (serial no. 82-0049) resplendent in the correct colors and markings. Aircraft No.2 performed 120 flights under Phase 2 of the test program. It was differentiated from the first in that it was fitted with a spin recovery parachute mounted at the base of the rudder. The reason for this was that the aircraft was destined to be engaged in Phase 2 research concerning high angles of attack (up to 67 degrees). Today the original is on display at the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, but now collectors can appreciate their very own model of this unique forward-looking and forward-swept aircraft.
Pre-order Now! Est.: Arrive March 2012
Item No. 52014 - 1/200 XB-70 Valkyrie AV-1 Prototype No.2
The futuristic-looking XB-70 Valkyrie was part of the US experimental aircraft program. It was designed to be a nuclear-armed deep-penetration strategic bomber able to fly at speeds of Mach 3+ at altitudes of 21,000m. Such parameters would have put it beyond the reach of then-current enemy interceptor aircraft. The six-engine XB-70 was developed by North American Aviation in the late 1950s. Two prototype aircraft, each operated by just two crewmen, were built before the B-70 bomber program was cancelled in 1961. The project’s demise was caused by the advent of high-altitude surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and the introduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) that made such a design redundant. Dragon’s new 1/200 scale model depicts the second XB-70A prototype to be built. Air Vehicle 2 (AV-2) was completed on 15 October 1964 and its first flight occurred on 17 July the following year. During tests, it reached a top speed of Mach 3.08 in 1966.
The sleek shape of the XB-70A with its canard surfaces and delta wings has been beautifully captured in miniature by Dragon Warbirds. The hinged wingtips that could increase directional stability have also been replicated. The model carries the correct US Air Force serial no. 62-0207 and all markings have been painted accurately. The second prototype achieved 46 flights before disaster befell on 8 June 1966. During a close-formation photo shoot for General Electric, an F-104 collided with AV-2 and the copilot was killed in the ensuing crash. However, Warbirds has resurrected the XB-70 with this model, allowing collectors to commemorate the important contribution it made to US air flight.
Pre-order stock! Est. Arrive: March 2012
