MikroMir Model Launches Experimental Martin XB-51
1/72 Martin XB-51 72-025
The Martin XB-51 was an experimental plane developed by the American company Glenn L. Martin Company in the early 1950s. It was designed as a bomber and reconnaissance plane that could reach high speeds at low altitudes. The XB-51 was an advanced plane for its time, featuring a delta wing design and three jet engines.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the story of the Martin XB-51, including its development, capabilities, and ultimate fate.
What is the Martin XB-51?
The Martin XB-51 was an experimental bomber plane developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in the early 1950s. It was designed to be a fast, high-altitude bomber that could reach speeds of up to Mach 1.2. The XB-51 was also equipped with cameras and other reconnaissance equipment, making it a versatile plane for a variety of missions.
Why was the Martin XB-51 developed?
The Martin XB-51 was developed in response to a request from the United States Air Force for a new bomber plane that could reach high speeds at low altitudes. The Air Force believed that such a plane would be able to penetrate enemy defenses more effectively than existing bombers, which flew at higher altitudes.
What were the capabilities of the Martin XB-51?
The Martin XB-51 was an advanced plane for its time, featuring a delta wing design and three General Electric J47-GE-13 turbojet engines. It had a top speed of 600 mph and a range of 1,500 miles. The XB-51 was also equipped with cameras and other reconnaissance equipment, making it a versatile plane for a variety of missions.
What happened to the Martin XB-51?
Despite its advanced design and capabilities, the Martin XB-51 was ultimately deemed too expensive to produce and was never put into full production. Only two prototypes were built, and one of them crashed during a test flight in 1956, killing the pilot. The remaining XB-51 prototype was eventually retired and is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
In conclusion, the Martin XB-51 was an advanced bomber and reconnaissance plane developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in the early 1950s. Despite its impressive capabilities, it was ultimately deemed too expensive to produce and was never put into full production. Nonetheless, it remains an important part of aviation history and a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the American aerospace industry.
I thought this plane features in Hollywood ” Toward the unknown” movie of 50s or 60s.
They could definitely have been influenced by somewhere while designing it.
Yes, it appeared in “Toward the Unknown” in 1956. It was renamed the Gilbert XF-120 for the film.
Sadly, both prototypes were destroyed in crashes. The second prototype was the first to crash at Edwards AFB in 1952. The first prototype crashed at Biggs AFB El Paso in 1956. It was on its back to Maryland after filming the 1956 film “Toward the Unknown” starring and produced by William Holden. It appears extensively in the film masquerading as the Gilbert XF-120. Both crashes were attributed to pilot error.