Kit Previews
Hangar 47 strives to provide historical information along with the details of the kit…enjoy.
TSR.2
British Aircraft Corporation TSR-2 by Airfix 1/48 scaleKit No. A10105Cost: $29.99Decals: Markings for any one of three experimental prototypes, XR219, XR220 and XR 222Comments: Detailed cockpit includes two crew figures; engraved panel lines; detailed landing gear and...
Lockheed U-2
The Lockheed U-2 is a single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation specifically for the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1950’s — with the express goal of providing the CIA with aerial surveillance capability over the former Soviet Union.
Lockheed U-2C
Using the F-104 Starfighter fuselage as a starting point, in 1954 Lockheed designer Kelly Johnson added long, glider like wings and a Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet. Designed solely for reconnaissance, the U-2 didn’t have anything it didn’t need to perform that one, critical mission. It was part of two pivotal crises of the Cold War.
UH-1N Twin Huey
UH-1N Twin Huey by Italeri 1/72 scale Kit No. 88 Cost: $10.00 Decals: Three versions - US Navy; British Royal Army; and Austrian Air Force Comments: Excellent engraved detail throughout History This helicopter kit needs little introduction. The twin-engine version of...
Hiller UH-12
First flown in 1948, the Hiller UH-12 was used extensively by the U.S. military in a variety of roles such as training, utility, observation, and especially in medical evacuation of casualties during the Korean War. Broadly similar to the contemporary Bell Model 47 helicopter, the UH-12 was nonetheless overshadowed by the Bell 47 in the Korean Theatre, partly because unlike Bell, Hiller did not provide in-the-field support and maintenance for its aircraft.
Vickers Valiant Mk. I
The Vickers Valiant was the first of RAF Bomber Command’s V-class aircraft. It established Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent force and pioneered RAF in-flight refuelling. Although later overshadowed by the Vulcan and Victor, the Valiant was the first V-bomber to drop a nuclear bomb, the first to see combat, and the RAF’s first operational tanker. Despite these successes, its career would be cut short by structural problems in 1965.
Cobalt Co50 Valkyrie
First flown in January 2015, the Cobalt Co50 Valkyrie is a single-engine, four- to five-seat aircraft intended for wealthy aviation enthusiasts. Featuring a leather interior and Garmin avionics, its pusher configuration includes a forward canard and a Continental TSIOF-550-D turbocharged piston engine laid out in a “flat six” configuration and capable of a cruising speed of 290 mph.
Sud Ouest Aviation Vautour IIB
The Sud-Ouest Aviation (SNCASO) S.O. 4050 Vautour II (French for vulture) was a jet-powered bomber, interceptor, and attack aircraft developed and manufactured for the Armee de l’Air in the mid-1950’s. It was a key part of France’s nuclear deterrent for a decade despite its lack of radar and state-of-the-art targeting equipment.
Vickers Super VC 10
Entering service in 1965, the Vickers Super VC 10 was elegant, economical and state-of-the-art, but came on the scene too late to compete effectively against the DC-8 and Boeing 707…
EWR VJ 101C X-1
The EWR VJ 101 was an experimental German jet fighter VTOL prototype able to tilt its jet engines to a full vertical position, and was intended to replace the F-104 Starfighter as a front-line point defense interceptor. The prototype flew for the first time in free hovering flight on April 10, 1963. It exceeded Mach 1 several times following a vertical take-off on September 14, 1964, and led to a second prototype featuring afterburning engines. Despite its promise, it was cancelled in 1968.
Vultee V-1A
Vultee V-1A by Special Hobby Kit No. SH72130 1/72 scale Cost: $28.00 Decals: Three versions -- two American Airlines; one for Crusader Oil Company of Rahway, New Jersey Comments: Engraved panel lines; detailed cockpit; resin detail parts for the cockpit and engine;...
Westland Lynx
Westland Lynx AH Mk. I by Fujimi 1/72 scale Kit No. 7A19 Cost: $10.00 Decals: One version Comments: Nice exterior detail; rather heavy engraved panel lines; option for naval version with different nose, but no naval markings or ordnance History Westland's Lynx AH Mk.I...
Westland Lysander Mk. III
Sent to France upon the outbreak of WWII as an army cooperation and artillery spotter aircraft, its high-casualty operations during May-June 1940 prompted the British to withdraw the Westland Lysander from daylight operations after Dunkirk. But with its STOL capabilities and impressive manueverability, it would have a second, highly successful career supporting special operations behind enemy lines in Occupied Europe and the Far East.
Westland Lysander Mk. III
Westland Lysander Mk. III by Italeri 1/48 scale Kit No. 804 Cost: $15.00 Decals: Two versions - Royal Air Force and Free French Comments: Old kit; 1994 re-issue of 1960's Hawk kit under Italeri label; raised panel lines; basic cockpit; nice stressed fabric effect on...
CAC CA-9 Wirraway
Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation CA-9 Wirraway by Special Hobby 1/72 scaleKit No. SH 72194Cost: $25.00Decals: Three versions - all Royal Australian Air ForceComments: Engraved panel lines, internal cockpit cage, resin engine and cowl History The Commonwealth Aircraft...
WKF D.1
The WKF D. 1 was a fighter aircraft built in Austria-Hungary in the final months of World War I. Similar to the German Albatros, it was rugged with a powerful engine but the Armistice came about before it could enter combat. An estimated 28 machines were built before war’s end, only to be destroyed by the Allies.
Bell X-1
Released in 1991, Tamiya’s kit of the historic Bell X-1 is both accurate and highly detailed, featuring engraved panel lines, a positionable main hatch, detailed cockpit and internal components including fuel tanks and a rocket motor.
Bell X-1A/D
Bell X-1A/D by Special Hobby 1/72 scale Kit No. SH 72160 Cost: $28.00 Decals: Four versions Comments: Engraved panel lines, resin wheel wells History The Bell X-1 (originally XS-1) was a very successful test aircraft, securing its place in aviation history when it...
Douglas X-3 Stiletto
Douglas X-3 Stiletto by Revell 1/65 scaleKit No. 8620Cost: $20.00Decals: One version - U.S. Air ForceComments: Old mold; 1982 "History Makers" re-issue of a 1950's kit History The lance-like Douglas X-3 flew for the first time on October 15, 1952, taking off from the...
Northrop X-4
Northrop X-4 by Collectaire 1/48 scale Kit No: 4840 Cost: $100.00 Decals: One version Comments: Cast resin with white metal detail parts and vacuform canopy History The Northrop X-4 Bantam was a prototype small twin-jet aircraft manufactured by Northrop Corporation in...