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Boeing Tucumcari Hydrofoil (1968)

Aurora Tucumcari Hydrofoil

Aurora Logo

SCALE: 1/72

INITIAL RELEASE: 1969

MEDIUM: Polystyrene

RARITY: (4)

 

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

This advanced, jet-powered hydrofoil was built by Boeing Aircraft and launched on March 7, 1968.  Used briefly as a patrol boat in Vietnam, the craft was severely damaged when it accidentally hit a submerged coral reef near Vieques Island off Puerto Rico during the night of November 16, 1972.   The Navy subsequently decided not to repair the craft, and it was scrapped.  Data gathered from the Tucumcari's brief operational life led to the construction of six similar hydrofoils, which were used for coastal patrol and anti-smuggling operations.

Aurora briefly released this unique hydrofoil kit in the late 1960s.  The foils were moveable and could be posed in either an active or passive position.

This is an original issue.

 

Original Box Art

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