X-Planes & Prototypes

Curtiss Wright VZ-7 Aerial Platform VTOL (1958)

Curtiss Wright VZ-7

Anigrand Craftswork Logo

SCALE: 1/72

INITIAL RELEASE: 2004

MEDIUM: Resin

RARITY: (2)

 

Curtiss Wright VZ-7

  Curtiss Wright VZ-7

Curtiss Wright VZ-7

 

Curtiss Wright VZ-7

 

Curtiss Wright VZ-7

Curtiss Wright VZ-7 Test "Hop"

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ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

In the 1950s, the U.S. Army developed several prototype "flying jeeps" to carry small amounts of men and machinery over rough terrain. In 1957, the Army contracted with Curtiss-Wright to develop one such machine; the result was this one-man "aerial platform" that achieved lift via four horizontally mounted propellers.  Curtiss-Wright delivered two VZ-7 prototypes in 1958 and, while the machines proved to be very easy to handle and maneuver, neither was able to meet the altitude and speed requirements called for in the Army's contract. The VZ-7 program was cancelled in the mid-1960s when it became abundantly clear that the job for which "flying jeeps" were intended could be  performed more easily and efficiently by conventional helicopters like the Huey HU-1D.

Anigrand Craftswork of Hong Kong specializes high-quality models of  exotic, off-beat subjects, and this spindly little 1950s-era experimental is no exception. In 1/72 scale, this model is a mere 3.25 inches long, yet the casting of the pieces is superb.  Flash is minimal and the detail, for its size, is excellent.

This model was built from an original issue.

 

Curtiss Wright VZ-7 Box Art

 Curtiss Wright VZ-7 Original Box Art

 

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