1/72 AA2084 Anigrand Martin XB-48 - 6 Engine Jet Bomber
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
Very highly detailed resin kit. The parts are still in the internally sealed bags. Includes decals and instructions. With the success of the German jet bomber Ar.234 in 1944, USAAF became aware of enemy aviation advances. The war department issued a requirement for a new design of jet bomber which was powered by either the J35 or J47 engine. From this, the Martin company submitted the Model 223. It was awarded contract for two prototypes which were then designated XB-48. Other designs which entered the competition included the North American XB-45, Convair XB-46 and the Boeing XB-47. The USAAF needed urgently needed a jet-bomber, so in 1946 they chose the flight-tested B-45 as the winner. Any decision on the XB-47 and XB-48 were deferred until they had tested. The first XB-48 made its maiden flight in 1947 but engine difficulties delayed development and testing. In 1948 the XB-47 was ready for testing and quickly beat the XB-48 in a fly-off; the XB-47 with its swept wing had much better performance. Martin attempted further work on the design, but it was rejected by the Air Force. Flight tests of the XB-48s continued until the program was terminated in the fall of 1949.
$120.00