Product Review

Detailed 1/72 scale assembly model kit of the North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie, a prototype six-engine, supersonic, nuclear-armed deep penetration bomber developed for the United States Air Force. The XB-70 project was a highly ambitious and equally expensive project with the aim to produce a high-speed bomber able of penetrating Soviet air space, out-running fighters scrambled to intercept it, and delivering its deadly nuclear payload on target and return to base safely. The knowledge of the American XB-70 project sent Soviet military planners into panic mode, and prompting them to develop the Mach 3 plus MiG-25 Foxbat to counter the potential threat of the XB-70. The introduction of more advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAM) eventually made the XB-70 obsolete, and the type never entered operational service. Two prototype XB-70s were built, and one crashed following a midair collision in 1966. The sole surviving XB-70 prototype is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio. This Italeri 1/72 scale assembly kit features: Large model, model measures 30.94 inches long when fully assembled. Detailed injection molded plastic. Highly detailed fuselage, interior and landing gear. Decal sheet with authentic markings. Illustrated assembly guide included.