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SCALE: 1/144 |
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INITIAL RELEASE: 2006 |
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MEDIUM: Resin |
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RARITY: (2) |
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Model Length: 6.25 inches |
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Convair XB-53 on Low-Altitude Bomb Run |
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ABOUT THE DESIGN |
ABOUT THE KIT |
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Originally designated the
Convair XA-44 ("A" for "Attack), this craft was intended to be a medium bomber
capable of carrying 12,000 pounds of bombs as well as 40 high-velocity
aerial rockets (HVARs). The plane's most unusual
features were its 30-degree forward-swept wings, a concept based on recently
captured German WWII-era research. It was believed this configuration
would give the plane a greater climb-rate and maneuverability.
To be powered by three G.E. J35 turbojets, the XA-44 found itself in competition with Convair's own XB-46, and while the company would have preferred to manufacture both planes, it ultimately chose to divert funds from the XA-44 to the more conventional XB-46 project. Under-funded and all but ignored, the XA-44 was redubbed the XB-53 in 1948, only to have the project cancelled altogether in 1949. Although two prototypes had been ordered, none were ever built. |
Released by Fantastic Plastic Models in late 2006, this was a simple four-piece kit mastered by Scott Lowther and cast by Controlled Energy Designs. The kit's most distinguishing feature was its clear resin nose piece, which allowed the builder to have a clear nose and cockpit canopy "framed" using silvery metal decals, which were included as part of JBOT's extensive decal sheet. The XB-53 kit is currently for sale at the Fantastic Plastic Virtual Museum Store. |
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Original Box Art |
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Concept Aircraft |
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