Martin Model 262

During the late 1940s, the U.S. Navy launched a program to develop a small, tail-sitting fighter that could launch vertically from its supply ships. In 1950, it launched the Convoy Fighter Competition, which ultimately yielded Martin's Model 262. Like other designs in the competition, this was a VTOL tail-sitter, although its three tails were unique to this contest. Also unusual was its narrow swept-back wing configuration. All the other entrants featured either straight or delta-wings.

What particularly distinguished the Model 262 from its competitors was its launch and recovery protocol. Instead of lifting off a simple helipad, the 262 used underside probes and hooks to secure itself to a corrugated platform that could be raised vertically and then kept at 90 degree regardless of the parent ship's movement. For recovery, the aircraft would assume the vertical position, then carefully maneuver itself against the platform where the probe and hooks would secure it. The platform could then be lowered to the horizontal position for pilot egress and aircraft servicing.

The Model 262 never made it past the proposal stage.

This is an all-resin hobby kit for moderate to experienced modelers and includes pilot figure.

Miniatures are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.