1/72 Sign Rotabuggy 10/24 Flying Jeep / Hafner Rotabuggy / Malcolm Rotaplane
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
Rare. The only kit issued of this unique subject. Features very finely cast resin main parts, many photoetched brass parts, full decals and instructions including a painting guide. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions. The Hafner Rotabuggy (formally known as the Malcolm Rotaplane and as the M.L. 10/42 Flying Jeep) was a British experimental aircraft that was essentially a Willys MB combined with a rotor kite, developed with the intention of producing a way of air-dropping off-road vehicles. Although initial tests showed that the Rotabuggy was prone to severe vibration at speeds greater than 45 miles per hour, with improvements the Rotabuggy achieved a flight speed of 70 mph on 1 February 1944. The last test flight occurred in September 1944, where the unit flew for 10 minutes at an altitude of 400 feet and a speed of 65 mph, after being released by a Whitley bomber, and was described as "highly satisfactory." However, the introduction of gliders that could carry vehicles (such as the Waco Hadrian and Airspeed Horsa) made the Rotabuggy unnecessary and further development was canceled.
This item has been sold.
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