FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models Box Art

 

FDL-5 Hypersonic Research Craft & Launcher (1969)

RETIRED

 
ABOUT THE DESIGN:    ABOUT THE MODEL:
In the 1960s, Lockheed and the U.S. Air Force's Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL) explored several design concepts for hypersonic flight.  The three principal vehicles -- the FDL-5, the FDL-6 and the FDL-7 -- all looked markedly different, although all were based on 70-degree triangles.

The FDL-5 was conceived as an offensive military vehicle.  Missions could include carrying military satellites to and from orbit as well as knocking enemy satellites out of commission.

The FDL-5 was distinguished by its variable-geometry wings, which could be extended for controlled landings.  One proposal called for the craft to be carried aloft in the belly of a C-5 Galaxy transport and then released at high altitude, at which point hydrogen-oxygen liquid fuel boosters would blast it into orbit.

Some believe that the FDL-5 actually flew in 1969.  If so, this makes the FDL-5 America's first reusable spacecraft!

  • Scale: 1:72
  • Material: Resin
  • Number of pieces: 41
  • Length: 18"
  • Launcher Included
  • Astronaut figures included
  • Choice of conventional rocket or aerospike engine
  • Full cockpit
  • CAD design by Chris Corke
  • Pattern by BLAP!  Models
  • Casting by BLAP! Models
  • Decals by JBOT for both the NASA and Air Force variations

 

FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models - What You Get

FDL-5 - What You Get

 

FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models - Catalog Photo 1

 

FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models - Catalog Photo 2

FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models - Catalog Photo 3

 

FDL-5 - Fantastic Plastic Models - Catalog Photo 4

More Photos

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