|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCALE: 1/200 |
|
|
INITIAL RELEASE: 1999 |
|
|
MEDIUM: Resin |
|
|
RARITY: (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABOUT THE DESIGN |
ABOUT THE KIT |
|
In April 1996, the U.S. Air
Force commissioned a study titled "Air Force 2025" that
examined the strategies, tactics and technologies the service would need
to operate effectively in the first quarter of the 21st century. One
of its recommendations was the development of an unmanned, long-range,
long-endurance Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), dubbed the "Strikestar,"
for long-range bombing missions. A larger version of the Darkstar
UCAV already in development (see photo below), the Strikestar would be powered by two jet
engines instead of its predecessor's single powerplant, have a wingspan of
of 105 feet and could carry a variety of ordinance or surveillance
equipment. The Strikestar platform offered numerous advantages. It could cruise at altitudes up to 80,000 feet, making it virtually invulnerable to current SAM technology. Its 70-hour operating time meant it could hit targets virtually anywhere in the world. And because the craft would be operated by remote control, no lives would be risked in combat, and pilot fatigue would never be a problem. |
At present, the only model
of the proposed Strikestar UCAV is this 1:200-scale resin kit from HBM
Models, a small company specializing in 1:200-scale vehicles.
Although little more than a single cast, the model has been modified to
include landing gear and gear bay doors. Custom decals were also added. This model was made from an original issue. As the model did not come in a box, no box art is available.
|
|
|
|
The DarkStar, the Strikestar's Little Brother |
|
X-Planes & Prototypes |
Home X-Planes Concept Aircraft Spacecraft & Missiles Concept Spacecraft Science Fiction Grab Bag
