Doak VZ-4DA V-STOL (1958)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2002
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity - 3

About the Design

Conceived in 1956 and first test flown in 1958, the Doak VZ-4DA was the first experimental VTOL to employ the tilt-duct-fan concept (Wing tip-mounted fans were positioned vertically for take-off and landing, then turned horizontally for conventional flight). Because of budget constraints, the VZ-4DA used many parts cannibalized from other aircraft, including the landing gear of a Cessna 1982, the seats of an F-51, and the duct actuators from a T-33. Powered by a Lycoming T-53-L-1 turboshaft engine, the VZ-4DA had a top speed of 370 mph.

In the late 1950s the Doak VZ-4DA VTOL was transferred to the control of NASA, which continued experiments until 1972. It was then retired to the US Amy Transportation Museum in Ft. Eustis, Va.

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About the Kit

This 1/72-scale resin kit from Hong Kong's Anigrand Craftworks was released in 2002.  It is the only known model of this unique experimental aircraft.

This model was built from an original issue.