Fantastic Plastic Concept Aircraft Banner

Convair XB-53 Medium Bomber (1949)

Convair XB-53 - 1

Fantastic Plastic Models Logo

SCALE: 1/144

INITIAL RELEASE: 2006

MEDIUM: Resin

RARITY: (2)

Model Length: 6.25 inches

 

Convair XB-53 - 2

 

Convair XB-53 - 3

Convair XB-53 - 4

 

Convair XB-53 - 5

 

Convair XB-53 - 6

Convair XB-53 on Low-Altitude Bomb Run

 

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

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.

 

Convair XB-53 - Box Art

Original Box Art

 

Concept Aircraft

1900-1930

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

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