Lockheed-Martin Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) (2005)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2005
Medium: Resin
Length: 6.0"
Kit Rarity: 4

About the Design

Looking beyond the antiquated Space Shuttle, Lockheed-Martin submitted this versatile lifting body design to NASA in May 2005 as a possible multi-function Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). According to its designers, the two-man craft could be outfitted with a number of additional modules for missions in near-Earth orbit, for lunar missions or even for long-duration trips to Mars.  

Lockheed-Martin choose the atmosphere-friendly lifting body over simpler capsule-return concepts because, (1) It would limit the g-forces on gravity-deprived astronauts and (2) It would facilitate airstrip landings vs. more problematic water or desert touch-downs.

The design was ultimately passed over in favor of the company's own more conventional Orion capsule system.

About the Kit

This CEV model was released by long-dormant Part-Time Models (PTM) in spring 2005, just weeks after Lockheed-Martin publicly released artist's renderings of its design.  A simple all-resin kit, it consisted of the main body and five detail pieces for the rear. 

Decals are all custom-made.

This model was built from an original issue.