Tikhonravov I-302P Rocket Plane (1943)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2001
Medium: Styrene
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

As early as the 1930s, the Soviets were seriously investigating the use of rocket motors as propulsion for combat aircraft.  In the early 1940s, with WWII raging, the Russians commissioned designer M.K.Tikhonravov to build a prototype straight-winged fighter powered by both an internal rocket engine and twin ramjets, one positioned under each wing.  When the ramjets became unavailable, the decision was made to go with the rocket motor only.

In 1943, an unpowered glider version, the I-302P, was test flown successfully.  However, equipment shortages ultimately scuttled the entire program before a powered flight could be attempted.

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About the Kit

This 1:72 scale limited-run styrene kit of the I-302P was released by AModel of Russia in 2001.  It was the most standard of models, composed of fuselage, wing and tail pieces as well as a landing gear, pilot's seat and clear cockpit.

This model was built from an original issue.