The D558 program was a joint project between NACA (the predecessor to NASA) and the U.S. Navy for transonic and supersonic flight.
The Skystreaks were strictly experimental and only three were built. One of the planes crashed but the other two survived and are currently in museums in Florida and North Carolina.
Marx's version was marketed as the 'pull rudder' jet. Pulling back on the rudder, then releasing, caused the plane to roll forward. There is a strong (and may I say not accidental) resemblance to the XF-92 when comparing photos of the prototype to the toy.
From Vegas Skunk Works
Ed
USA
Another great old toy. The world of aviation was full of purely experimental aircraft up to the early 1960s, as new technologies were being developed and tested. Most are now forgotten, except for the toys and models that were made at the time.
ReplyDeleteThe Marx toy isn't exactly like the XF-92 but I'm thinking the designer's at Marx were trying to find inspiration for their next airplane and this thing fit the bill nicely.
DeleteAmazing! In the yellow plastic, it's an instant classic!
ReplyDeleteBright colors sold toys and you can't get much brighter than yellow! LOL
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