Fantastic Plastic Concept Aircraft Banner

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber (1959)

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 1

Hawk Models Logo

SCALE: 1:188

 INITIAL RELEASE: 1959

MEDIUM: Polystyrene

RARITY: (5)

 

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 2

 

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 3

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 4

 

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 5

 

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - 6

Sleep Tight, America: The XAB-1 is On Patrol

 

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

In the 1950s, America's defense industry explored several radical ways to gain air superiority over the rival Soviet Union.  Convair's XAB-1 concept bomber employed two notions that were particularly fashionable during this Cold War period.  One was the idea of atomic engines, power plants that could keep a plane airborne virtually indefinitely.  (Conventional jet engines were still required for take-offs and landings.)  The other idea was that of parasite fighters, high-performance jets that were carried with the bomber and then released over enemy territory to provide airborne defense. 

Ultimately, the idea of atomic engines was scrapped when the notion proved too unwieldy and dangerous, while the parasite fighter notion was rendered obsolete by the perfection of mid-air refueling technology.

Hawk Models released its first edition of the XAB-1 in 1959.  The kit was subsequently re-released with new box art in 1964.  The model featured retractable landing gear and gear bay doors.  It also came with clear red "flames" for the atomic engines, parts distinctive to Hawk models of the period.

This model was built from the 1964 reissue and was detailed with custom-designed decals.

 

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - Box Art 1

Original Box Art

XAB-1 Beta-1 Atomic-Powered Bomber - Hawk - Box Art 2

Re-Release Box Art

 

Concept Aircraft

1900-1930

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000 and Beyond

Home   X-Planes   Concept Aircraft   Spacecraft & Missiles   Concept Spacecraft   Science Fiction   Grab Bag