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Code: DM-56260

Status: Sold out - Discontinued
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Dragon Models 1:400 Aerospace Program 56260
Diecast Model
USAF, OTV-1, Launch April 22nd, 2010, Atlas V + X-37B w/Launch Tower

1:400 Scale     Length     Width
ULA Atlas V Rocket     5.75"     0.5"
Boeing X-37B     0.75"     0.5"

Dragon previously created a detailed 1/72 scale model of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), an American unmanned spaceplane that is produced by Boeing. The X-37 started life in 1999 as a NASA project, but it was taken over by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2004. The first orbital flight of the USAF’s X-37B took place on 22 April 2010 after it was launched using an Atlas V rocket. Its aerodynamic design is clearly based on that of the Space Shuttle. It is a classified project, but for space support missions it could rendezvous with satellites to refuel or repair them. It would also have obvious defense applications, and could conduct defensive and offensive counter-space missions, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance.

Now Dragon offers a fascinating 1/400 model that shows the X-37B in combination with its Atlas V rocket, the current workhorse of US space programs. The X-37B spaceplane is the product of brand new toolings, and it fits neatly inside the nose of the Atlas V rocket. Of course it would be a pity just to hide the spaceplane inside the rocket like this, so the rocket’s nose cone is designed to open to show the “package” installed inside. This is a fine Dragon model of craft at the very cutting edge of space technology.

ULA Atlas V Rocket

The Atlas rocket is a general purpose expendable launch vehicle that was first flown on December 17th, 1957. The first Atlas rockets were developed for the relatively short-lived SM-65 ballistic missile program. The missiles were removed from service in 1965 and many were refurbished as orbital launch vehicles along with additional purpose-built Atlas launch vehicles. More than 500 Atlas rockets have been launched, including those used by NASA for project Mercury. The complete Atlas family spans, in increasing size and power, from the Atlas I thru Atlas V. The Atlas V system is still in use today.

Boeing X-37B

Designed as an unmanned reusable spaceplane, the X-37 was first flown in free-flight on April 7th, 2006 and first launched into orbit on April 22nd 2010. It was originally designed to be carried into orbit by the Space Shuttle but was later redesigned to be launched by a conventional rocket after it was determined that Shuttle launches would be uneconomical. The unmanned design allows for a large payload capacity as well as the ability to remain in orbit for up to 270 days at a time. Possible missions include refuelling or even repairing satellites in orbit using a robotic arm while additional military applications remain classified.