Martin Model 262

VTOL Turboprop Convoy Fighter Concept (1950)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2016
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

In the years immediately after World War II, the U.S. Navy became concerned that its supply convoys remained highly vulnerable to enemy air attack. It asked America's major aircraft manufacturers to submit proposals for a tail-sitting VTOL fighter that could be launched off the back of cargo ships to provide combat air support.

Martin Aviation was one of five companies that submitted formal proposals to the Convoy Fighter Competition. Although, like all the other entries, its Model 262 was designed to launch and land vertically, this was the only competition entrant that was not a tail-sitter. Instead, it was attached to a hinged platform that could be raised into a vertical position for launch and recovery. To land, the pilot was required to go to vertical and then slide the aircraft horizontally toward the raised platform. An underside probe and two wing-mounted hooks would then grab and secure the aircraft to the platform, at which point it would be lowered back to the horizontal position for pilot egress.

Although an innovative design, the Martin Model 262 ultimately lost out to Lockheed's XFV-1 "Salmon" and Convair's XFV-1 "Pogo."

About the Kit

This 1:72 kit was produced exclusively for Fantastic Plastic by Anigrand Craftswork of Hong Kong. Released in early October 2016, it featured a clear resin canopy and sculpted pilot figure. It was one of three "Convey Fighter Competition" kits released by Fantastic Plastic in the autumn of 2016.

This kit was built from an original issue.