Kit

Martin XB-51

Brand MIKRO-MIR

SKU MKRM-72025 EAN 4824555100253

Features

Nation: United States of America

Period: Dopoguerra

Scale: 1/72

Type: Aircraft

Price 85,05 €

Description

1/72 Martin XB-51

The Martin XB-51 was an experimental tactical bombing aircraft developed by the U.S.-based Glenn L. Martin Company in the 1940s and 1950s. Its purpose was to meet a United States Air Force (USAF) specification for a light, high-speed bomber capable of replacing existing ground attack aircraft.

The XB-51 had an unusual and distinctive design, featuring a variable-geometry wing that could be manually adjusted to achieve different flight configurations as needed. It was propelled by three engines, two of which were mounted in the wing nacelles and the third in the tail of the plane.

The prototype XB-51 made its first flight in 1949. During initial testing, it demonstrated remarkable speed and maneuverability, but also showed some challenges in controlling the plane during takeoff and landing. Subsequently, design changes were made to address these problems.

However, the XB-51 program was finally cancelled in 1952 before the plane could enter mass production. Some of the reasons for the cancellation involved changes in USAF requirements and progress toward the use of supersonic fighter aircraft. In addition, the XB-51 program failed to fully meet the specific requirements of the Air Force.

Although the XB-51 was never put into production and used operationally, its development contributed to the understanding of high-speed aircraft design techniques and the evolution of aviation technologies. The original XB-51 prototype was later preserved and restored, and is currently on display in the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, where it testifies to the innovation and advanced engineering of the time.