General Dynamics A-12 "Avenger II" Stealth Fighter Concept (1991)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2003
Medium: Styrene
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

In 1988, the U.S. Navy awarded General Dynamics/McDonnell Douglas a contract to build prototypes for what it hoped would be a new generation of carrier-based stealth fighters to replace its aging A-6 Intruders.  Dubbed the A-12 "Avenger II," this sub-sonic, two-man attack bomber was to be powered by two G.E. F412-400 turbofan engines that would allow the aircraft to attain speeds of up to 580 mph.

Unfortunately, by 1991, a year after the first prototype was to be flying, a working aircraft had yet to be built and the Pentagon pulled the plug on the A-12 program. In 1993, the Fort Worth Aviation Heritage Association, a private organization, raised enough funds to complete General Dynamics' full-scale mock-up for public display.  The full-scale Avenger II -- a/k/a "The Dorito" -- model made its debut in 1996.

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About the Kit

Released in 2003, this all-resin kit featured a vacuform cockpit dome and ordnance that included two Sidewinder missiles and two Paveway III-style laser-guided bombs.  The model had segmented wings that could be built in either the straight, "in-flight" or folded (storage) position.

Unfortunately, the fit between the outer wings and the main fuselage was off by a few millimeters, creating a significant construction challenge for those wishing to build the model in the "in-flight" configuration (above).

The model was built from an original issue. Pilot figures are borrowed by from "junk pile."