Bristol 178

and Vickers Valiant in 1/144 scale

The idea of a rocket fighter was actively investigated by several British aircraft companies during the 1950's in order to intercept high flying bombers, one such project being the Bristol 178. None of the projects resulted in an actual aircraft although Saunders-Roe did fly the experimental SR.53 powered by both a rocket and jet engine.

But what if things had been different, with the Bristol 178 being built and flown as part of a high speed research programme. Take off from the ground would have limited time available to conduct the research, but air-launch from the back of a converted bomber would overcome the problem. That is what is imagined here ...

An Atlas Editions pre-built Valiant was modified to include extra fin-lets on the tail and a carrying cradle on it's back, plus high visibility areas were painted. The 178 was scratch built using a 1/48 gun pod for the fuselage, plastic card for the wings & tail and a canopy from the spares box.

Mission photographs ...