Dragon Models 1:144 Warbirds 51028
Douglas X-3 Stiletto Display Model
USAF, #49-2892, Edwards AFB, CA, 2-Piece Set |
| 1:144 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas X-3 Stiletto | | 2.5" | | 2" |
Continuing on with Dragon Warbird's collection of experimental aircraft is a 1/144 scale model of the X-3 jet aircraft. Developed by Douglas Aircraft Company from 1949 onwards, the sleek X-3 Stiletto was designed for sustained supersonic speeds. The X-3 employed titanium and low-aspect ratio wings, and the first prototype was delivered in September 1952, with the first flight occurring the following month. Eventually a total of 51 X-3 flights took place. However, the pair of Westinghouse J34 turbojet engines was not powerful enough so it never actually reached Mach 1 in level flight! The effort wasn't wasted though, as data obtained from the X-3 was used to produce the F-104 Starfighter. The lone X-3 Stiletto is on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
The Dragon Warbirds model captures perfectly the sleek lines of this experimental design, and two complete 1/144 scale models are included in the set. One model is a fully finished replica while the other has transparent exterior parts that reveal some of the craft's innards. The latter model provides aviation enthusiasts with a new appreciation for this futuristic aircraft design. All details are accurately rendered, plus an "S"-shaped display stand made of metal is included. This allows the exterior and interior of the models to be shown off side by side. Only one X-3 Stiletto was ever built, but now Warbirds offers you two!
Designed to research the aerodynamic features necessary for an aircraft to be capable of sustained supersonic flight, the X-3 was first flown on October 15th, 1952. It's long, slender fuselage and short, low-aspect ratio wings were quite unlike other early X-Planes but ultimately contributed to the design of the F-104 Starfighter. Unfortunately, the engine technology of the time was unable to live up to the potential of the airframe and the aircraft could barely attain supersonic flight in a dive. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:144 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircaft. While these models may lack the heft of their metal counterparts, the painting and markings are applied with the same precision as other Warbirds, making them pefectly at home in any diecast collection.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:144 Warbirds Series" display model airplanes feature:
- Molded plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
