X-44 MANTA, 1/72 scale.
Limited edition Sharkit ; Price eur96
News page---- illustrated catalog----back to Sharkit home page ---- order this kit or e-mail me
HISTORY
Known Development Stage: Design.
The X-44 was designed to test the idea than an aircraft can be flown using controlled vectored thrust alone. The removal of a vertical tail and all other control surfaces was expected to reduce radar reflectivity to a minimum. Other benefits that were expected to be realized from this design were lower weight, reduced mechanical complexity, increased fuel efficiency and greater agility.
The X-44 MANTA was based on the F-22 fuselage but incorporated a new full delta wing. The program was initiated in 1999 with flight testing expected to begin in 2007. However, recent reports now indicate that the entire program has been cancelled.
[avrocar]
 THE WINGS AND BODY are one single part casting. Dimensions of this part are 24x18cm (10''x7''), without the nose probe. The nose probe is a strong steel wire embeded in the resin.

LANDING GEAR: The kit was initially designed as a one piece base-mounted desk-top model. However, we provide tubing and metal wire that can be folded to create landing gear strong enough to support the model's weight.You also have the option of using injection-molded landing gear from Italeri's YF-22A kit.

IN THE COCKPIT: We provide a one-piece pilot/ejection seat and a clear vacuform canopy. You may prefer to use another ejection seat without the pilot; the Italeri seat is adequate, although you may be able to find a better one from another source.

left: the original sharkit Boxart.
KIT PARTS LIST: 1-body ; 2-vacuform canopy ; 3-control panel; 4-seat and pilot ; 5-front landing gear door; 6-front wheel ;
8-left landing gear door ; 9-right landing gear door; 10-main wheels (2 parts); 11-nozzles (2 parts); 12-rear end.
Steel wire and brass tubing for the landing gear legs are provided.
below: detail of the instruction sheet.