|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCALE: 1:188 |
|
|
INITIAL RELEASE: 1959 |
|
|
MEDIUM: Polystyrene |
|
|
RARITY: (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Original Box Art |
|
|
|
Re-Release Box Art |
|
Concept Aircraft |
Home X-Planes Concept Aircraft Spacecraft & Missiles Concept Spacecraft Science Fiction Grab Bag
