Sikorsky XV-2 (XN-36) American VTOL Fighter Concept (1951)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2004
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

WWII helped bring to fruition numerous aircraft technologies that had been nascent during the 1930s, including jet engines and helicopters. By 1951, Sikorsky, the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, had fashioned a creative way to fuse the two concepts, the result being jet-powered aircraft with a single-bladed helicopter rotor that could be used for VTOL-style take-offs and landings, then collapsed stowed when the aircraft commenced horizontal flight.

Dubbed the XH-36, the plan was given the green light by a joint U.S. Army/Air Force development team charged with building a VTOL aircraft that could be used for difficult rescue operations. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Korean War turned Sikorsky's attention and resources to more practical matters, and the XH-36 -- now known as the XV-2 -- remained a study project only until the entire project was cancelled in 1960.

About the Kit

Although Anigrand Craftswork focuses on American X-Planes and Prototypes, it occasionally ventures into more esoteric territory, including concept aircraft.  This 1950's era XV-2 is an excellent example of why such decisions should be encouraged: the plane is a simple but fascinating hybrid that allows modelers to build a truly unique addition to their 1:72 air force.

Like all Anigrand models, the XV-2 is crisply done with minimal flash and sharply etched panel lines. Even the vacuform canopy was easier to work with than most, thanks to the combination of thick plastic and clear cut lines.

Unfortunately, the decal sheet was a bit confusing, as it contained decals for the XV-1 convertiplane!

The model was built from an original issue.