Dragon Models 1:400 Warbirds 56310
Rockwell B-1A Lancer Diecast Model
USAF, #74-0159, Edwards AFB, CA, B-1B Test Program 1984, Low-Speed Configuration |
| 1:400 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Rockwell B-1A Lancer | | 4.5" | | 4" |
When the B-1B Test Program began in 1981, the four original B-1A prototypes were used as testbeds. B-1A #2, serial #74-0159, was outfitted with the B-1B flight control system and began flying in March, 1983. On August 29th, 1984, the aircraft, piloted by chief test pilot Doug Benefield, was flying the last of three low-speed control test flights that involved disengaging the automatic fuel transfer system that managed the aircraft's center of gravity. Later, when the wings were swept forward, the aircraft pitched abruptly upwards due to an aft CG. It then stalled and entered a spin at around 4000 feet. The crew were forced to launch the B-1A's escape capsule, but the capsule's parachute failed to fully deploy as designed. The escape capsule impacted the desert floor at high speed, killing Benefield and severely injuring two other crew members. The Air Force determined that the crash was caused by the pilot's failure to re-enable the fuel transfer system prior to swinging the wings forward.
Please note: This model features wings permanently positioned in the forward-swept position for low-speed flight and take-off/landing.
Designed as a replacement for the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-1 Lancer was first flown on December 23, 1974 but did not enter service until 1986. First envisioned in the 1960s, this aircraft took two decades to begin its career. Its development was halted and restarted numerous times, and it was alternately praised for its potential and decried as gross misuse of taxpayer money. Today, the B-1 operates as a long-range, supersonic low-level penetrator. Its speed and survivability are superior to the B-52, and its high-speed strike and large payload capabilities give it a unique role in modern strategic bombing operations. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon's 1:400 scale B-1 Lancer is constructed with an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic. The near seamlessly constructed diecast metal fuselage features delicate canards and pad-printed windows up front and twin-engine nacelles mounted on the rear. The wings are constructed in plastic to accurately replicate the true thickness in this scale. The models in this series are released as two separate versions, some with the wings in the full forward "low-speed" configuration and others in the fully swept "high speed" configuration.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:400 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:400 Warbirds Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Fuselage, wings and landing gear proportionally accurate compared to real aircraft.
- Main wings to scale with authentic and detailed panel lines engraved.
- Engines based on airline specifications and accurate for each model.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
