Shelf Oddity 1:144 F4D Skyray NOTSNIK Project - Shelf Oddity

[Julien]

1:144 F4D Skyray NOTSNIK Project

Shelf Oddity

 

 

NOTSNIK was an expendable launch system and anti-satellite rocket system developed by the US Navy's United States Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) in the late 1950s. The NIK part coming from the fact this was not SPUTNIK. Air launches were carried out from a China Lake F4D Skyray at 41000 Ft of the Pilot Rocket system.  It was the first attempt at using an air launched system to try and achieve orbital insertion of a payload.  The system was considered a failure although there is some evidence of the system achieving orbit on the first test. The project remained classified until the mid 1990s. 

 

Shelf Oddity are emerging as a leader in decals and parts for 1.144 scale modelling. This set contains decals for the China Lake F4D and PE Fins for a Pilot Rocket. The instructions show how to scratch build this. As with all Shelf Oddity sets there are extensive instructions available on-line in PDF format. 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Great news for 1:144 scale fans, an interesting and virtually unknown use of the Skyray. Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of