Northrop XST

Stealth Technology Demonstrator (1975)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2019
Medium: Resin
Length: 9 inches
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

In 1974, DARPA invited all of America's top aerospace companies to submit proposals for a first-generation "low observability" -- or "stealth" -- fighter plane. By the following year, the competition had been narrowed down to Lockheed's multi-faceted "Hopeless Diamond" and Northrop's simpler diamond-wing XST (Experimental Survivable Testbed).

Although the Northrop design appeared to have better flying characteristics, it only became "stealthy" when viewed from the front or rear. As a result, DARPA awarded its contract to the more sophisticated, albeit it more problematic, Lockheed design.

Lockheed would go on to build the F-117 stealth fighter, while Northrop would build the B-2 stealth bomber.

About the Kit

The Northrop XST kit was released by Fantastic Plastic Models in early January 2019. The kit was created exclusively for Fantastic Plastic by Anigrand Craftswork of Hong Kong.