The Boeing XB-15 was designed for the US Army Air Corps in 1934 to test if a bomber with a 5,000 mile range could be built. Though originally designed to use liquid cooled engines, the lack of the planned powerplants led to radial engines that were of lower horsepower.
The XB-15 was massive- the wings being thick enough that passageways to the engines allowed the crews to actually service the plane in flight. Though it did not ev er enter service- the sole aircraft produced was relegated to being a cargo aircraft during the war- the lessons learned undoubtedly contributed to another of Boeing’s four engined aircraft- the B-17 Flying Fortress.
And in keeping with their history of releasing obscure X-aircraft, Anigrand is releasing the XB-15 as part of their 1/144th line.
And I have to get this one, I really do. I recall seeing a picture of this plane as a kid, and for some reason it just really seemed cool looking to me. And I’d love to build one!
Anigrand’s Arnold Chiu describes the kit:
The unit price is only US$88 plus US$14 shipping charge.
And though they don’t list the names of the “mystery” planes included with the XB-15, one looks suspiciously like Bell’s YFM-1 Airacuda, a twin-engined oddity with rear facing propellors and gunners in the forward part of the nacelles. That’s a nice bonus.
Look for a kit preview before too long!