1:72 Northrop F-15 (NACA Test Flights)

The Northrop F-15 in its research-flight form, 1:72

An injection-molded plastic kit of the twin-engined reconnaissance machine in 1:72 scale. The release is aimed at the aircraft that, after its military career ended, served the American research organization NACA for aerodynamic tests.

A reconnaissance descendant of a night fighter

The Northrop F-15 grew out of the P-61 Black Widow night fighter: the designers removed the radar and the armament, narrowed the fuselage and placed photographic equipment in the nose. What came of it was a fast, unarmed reconnaissance machine with a pair of tail booms, the last of its kind with piston engines in US Air Force service. Only a few dozen were built and they served above all over postwar Asia.

Building a machine with twin booms

With a shape like this it is the geometry that decides: the booms, the wing and the tail surfaces have to seat exactly, otherwise the model stands crooked. Glue it section by section, keep checking the angles against the surface and let every joint cure. Natural metal wants a smooth base: a gloss primer and polishing between coats pay off. Apply the differing panel shades one after another through masks.

Who the model will please

• collectors of postwar American aircraft
• anyone interested in test and research machines
• modelers who are fond of unusual shapes
• builders who want to add a relative of the P-61 to a display case

This is an unassembled model without a finish; the painting and joining materials are sold separately.