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SCALE: 1/48 |
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INITIAL RELEASE: 2002 |
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MEDIUM: Polystyrene/Resin |
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RARITY: (2) |
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ABOUT THE DESIGN |
ABOUT THE KIT |
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The North American X-15
remains one of the most successful -- and famous -- test plane in
America's "X" series, setting scores of speed and altitude records that
stand to this day. In March 1962, NASA's X-15 Committee proposed
using the hypersonic rocketplane as a high-altitude platform from which to launch small
satellites into orbit. The proposed scenario would have the X-15
taken airborne by a modified B-52 bomber (the usual procedure for
launching the X-15). Attached to the X-15's undercarriage would be a
Scout booster fitted to an extendable launching rail. Once released
from its B-52 mothership, the X-15 would fly to the atmosphere's upper edge
and from there launch the Scout into orbit. Once orbital velocity
had been achieved, the Scout would release the satellite contained in its
payload section.
The modified X-15 would, in effect, become part of a low-cost multi-stage launch system. However, the proposal was ultimately rejected due to concerns over safety, economy and overall viability. |
This X-15/Blue Scout kit
was released by New Ware of the Czech Republic in the early 21st Century
and is a conversion kit for Special Hobby's 1/48-scale X-15 multi-media
model.
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Original Box Art |
Concept Spacecraft |
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