|
|
SCALE: 1/72 |
|
INITIAL RELEASE: 2014 |
|
MEDIUM: Resin |
|
RARITY: (2) |
|
|
|
The Roton Launches! |
ABOUT THE DESIGN |
ABOUT THE KIT |
In the 1990s, several
private companies developed single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) concepts for
launching satellites into low orbit.The Rotary Rocket Roton was certainly
one of the most radical of these designs.To minimize the amount of fuel --
and weight -- the craft would need to carry aloft, its designers opted for a
hybrid launch system that relied on both cluster rockets and rocket-powered
helicopter blades for ascent. The rotors, which could be lowered for
re-entry, would also be used to help the Roton make powered landings. The Roton proof-of-concept prototype flew three successful test flights in 1999 at Mojave Airport in California. The pilot for these three flights was Marti Sarigul-Klijn and the co-pilot was Brian Binnie. A fourth flight to 10,000 feet was cancelled when Rotary Rocket Company lost its funding. The company went out of business in 2001 |
This 1:72 resin model kit was released by Fantastic Plastic Models in February 2014. The kit was designed in CAD by Chris Corke and cast by BLAP! Models. Decals were by JBOT. Original box art was by Denis Podgorny. Standing nearly 11 inches high, the model had metal landing gear to help support its considerable weight. For information on this kits availability, CLICK HERE. This model was built from an original issue. |
|
Original Box Art |
Home X-Planes Concept Aircraft Spacecraft & Missiles Concept Spacecraft Science Fiction Grab Bag