NX-Alpha/NX-Beta

from "Star Trek: Enterprise - First Flight" (2003)

Scale: 1/144
Initial Release: 2017
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2
Length: 9"

About the Design

Based on Zephram Cochrane's "Phoenix" warp ship prototype, the NX-Alpha and her sister ship, the NX-Beta, were ground-launched testbeds for the second generation of warp engines. Both featured shielded nacelles positioned at the ends of foldable wings as well both dorsal and ventral "roll bars" that provided atmospheric stability during take-offs and landings. The craft were rail-launched using magnetic-driven sleds.

The NX-Alpha was lost during a test flight due to a catastrophic engine failure near the orbit of Saturn. Soon thereafter, the NX-Beta successfully broke the so-called "Warp 2 Barrier" under the command of Lt. Jonathan Archer, later captain of the NX-01 "Enterprise."

About the Kit

The NX-Alpha/NX-Beta kit was released by Fantastic Plastic Models in May 2017. The kit was hand-mastered by Alfred Wong and cast by Millennial Models International (MMI). Original box was by Brad Fraunfelter.

In addition to two launch sleds, the kit also featured wings that could be constructed in either their folded (storage) or extended (in-flight) positions.