X-Planes & Prototypes

Martin X-24B (1973)

Martin X-24B - Mach 2 - 1

Mach 2 Logo

SCALE: 1/72

INITIAL RELEASE: 2000

MEDIUM: Polystyrene

RARITY: (3)

 

Martin X-24B - Mach 2 - 2

 

Martin X-24B - Mach 2 - 3

Martin X-24B - Mach 2 - 4

 

Martin X-24B - Mach 2 - 5

 

Martin X-24A  and X-24B - Mach 2

 

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

After the relative failure of its X-24A lifting body, Martin Aircraft stripped the test aircraft down to its bare essentials and, in 1973, rebuilt the vehicle as the X-24B.  Although virtually identical on the inside, the planes could not have looked more different on the outside.  Whereas the original X-24 was stubby, smooth and bulbous, its "B" variant was larger and arrowhead-shaped -- a configuration that turned out to be significantly more stable. 

In August 1975, the X-24B -- after being carried aloft by a B-52 bomber -- landed on a conventional airstrip, marking the first time a lifting body had made such a landing.  Its last flight was in November 1975, after which it was retired.  The X-24B was the last experimental lifting body built for NASA and the U.S. Air Force.

This 1/72 model of the X-24A is from the French Mach 2 kit, which came with scale replicas of both the X-24A and the upgraded X-24B.  Like most Mach 2 kits, the plastic and the details were both rather soft.  Flash was a problem, as was the fit of the cockpit canopy.

The model was built from an original issue.

 

Martin X-24A & X-24B - Mach 2 Box Art

Martin X-24A & X-24B Original Box Art

 

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