Northrop N-63

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.

Among those entering the competition was Northrop Aviation, whose N-63 featured counter-rotating turboprops, wing-tip weapons pods, a large dorsal tail and rudder, and wings positioned at a severe dihedral.

Although a fascinating design, the N-63 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. It featured option tail cones for the landed or in-flight configurations, as well as a clear resin canopy and pilot figure.

This kit was built from an original issue.