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Code: CG-AA33504

Status: Sold out - Discontinued
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Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33504
Diecast Model
NASA NB-52 with X-15, Edwards AFB, CA, 1959

Limited Edition
5000
Pieces Worldwide

1:144 Scale     Length     Width
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress     13.5"     15.5"
North American X-15     4.25"     1.75"

Without a doubt, the most remarkable and most valuable research vehicle to have been developed within the X-series of USAF/USN-sponsored experimental aircraft was the North American X-15, which was required to meet performance parameters of a maximum altitude of 250,000ft (76200m) and a maximum speed of Mach 6 - well in excess of 4000mph (6437km/h)! This rocket-powered aircraft attained the fastest speeds and greatest heights at which man has ever flown, except in a space vehicle. It had always been the intention that the X-15 would be air-launched and two Boeing B-52s were modified to carry the type under the starboard wing, between the fuselage and the inboard engine, then being redesignated NB-52A and NB-52B. The first two X-15As were each powered initially by two 8,000lb (3629kg) thrust XLR-11 engines, the first aircraft becoming airborne under its mother ship on 10th March 1959. Test Pilot Scott Crossfield made the first unpowered release on 8th June and also made the first powered flight, in the second X-15A, on 17th September. Following a ground accident, the second X-15A was rebuilt and modified, flying again in its new form on 18th June 1964. The research programme came to an end in November 1968. Three X-15As were built and entered the performance evaluation phase of the test programme. Almost 200 flights were made and today one of the NB-52 mother ships is preserved at Pima, Arizona. One of the X-15As was lost in a crash in November 1967, but the two surviving machines are preserved at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington, DC and in the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

Designed to meet an Air Materiel Command requirement for a long-range, strategic bomber, the B-52 Stratofortress was first flown on April 15, 1952. First envisioned as a straight wing, six turboprop aircraft, the B-52 underwent a number of design changes before becoming the swept-wing, eight turbojet aircraft it is today. Originally built for Cold War era "deterrence" missions, this aircraft is capable of carrying nuclear weapons but in actual combat has only dropped conventional munitions. Its long service career has included Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan and Iraq, and it is expected to continue serving until at least 2040.

North American X-15

Designed as a hypersonic research aircraft for the X-Series of USAF/USN sponsored experimental aircraft, the X-15 was first flown on June 8th, 1959 (Unpowered) and September 17th, 1959 (Powered). The X-15 was not capable of conventional take-off, instead being dropped from a B-52 at altitude prior to firing its rocket engines. Three X-15s were built, completing a total of 199 flights between them, setting many altitude and speed records along the way. The highest flight took place on August 22nd, 1963 reaching an altitude of 67 miles, while the fastest flight was on October 3rd, 1967 reaching 4,519mph.

Corgi's 1:144 scale B-52s are surprisingly large and heavy, weighing in at almost three pounds. Each model includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand for in-flight display. The series includes most production variants, from early versions with large tail fins and pivoting tail machine gun turrets to the later B-52H, with its clipped tail fin and 20mm Vulcan cannons. The engine nacelles contain both intake and exhaust details, and the cockpit windscreen is masterfully integrated. The center landing gear is keyed to provide easy configuration for ground display with a set of wing tip gear for balance.