dragon wings x-plane series 1/144 douglas x-3 stiletto naca research flight speed of sound 1954-56 (japan import)

Dragon Warbird’s continues its collection of experimental aircraft with a 1/144 scale model of the X-3 jet aircraft. Developed by Douglas Aircraft Company from 1949 onwards, the sleek X-3 Stiletto was designed for sustained supersonic speeds. The X-3 employed titanium and low-aspect ratio wings, and the first prototype was delivered in September 1952, with the first flight occurring the following month. Eventually a total of 51 X-3 flights took place. However, the pair of Westinghouse J34 turbojet engines was not powerful enough so it never actually reached Mach 1 in straight flight! The effort wasn’t wasted though, as data obtained from the X-3 was used to produce the F-104 Starfighter. The lone X-3 Stiletto is on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

This Dragon Warbirds model captures perfectly the sleek lines of this American experimental design. Of note, two complete 1/144 scale models are included in this set. One model is a fully finished and pre-painted replica while the other has transparent exterior parts that reveal some of the craft’s insides. The latter model provides aviation enthusiasts with a new appreciation for this futuristic aircraft design. All details are accurately rendered, plus an ‘S’-shaped display stand made of metal is included. This allows the exterior and interior of the models to be shown off side by side. This new Warbirds release differs from the previous Item No.51028 in that it has alternative markings. Only one X-3 Stiletto was ever built, but now Warbirds offers you two…in one set!

Contains two 1:144 pre-assembled collectible models.