Swordfish MK-1a from "Le Secret de L'Espadon" (1946)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2003
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

The Swordfish was an elegantly designed atomic-powered fighter that appeared in the 1946 Belgian graphic novel "Le Secret de L'Espadon" ("The Secret of the Swordfish") by writer/artist Edward P. Jacobs.  The comic was part of Jacobs' popular "Adventures of Blake & Mortimer" series, which chronicled the post-World War II adventures of two British adventurers who, like Herge's "Tintin" fought all manner of evil-doers and their nefarious plans for world domination.

Like several concept aircraft developed by the Germans toward the end of WWII, the Swordfish required its pilot to line in a prone (stomach-down) position rather than sitting upright. 

The Swordfish's extended nose and underbelly jet intake proved someone prescient, as it bore an unmistakable resemblance to Northrop's "Snark" cruise missile, which would appear several years later.

About the Kit

This 2003 release from France's Sharkit company is a very clean and well-cast resin-and-vacuform kit that expertly captures the smooth, angular lines of this unique fantasy aircraft.  Because the Swordfish has no landing gear, the kit comes equipped with a four-wheeled trolley.

This model was built from an original issue.