Ok this is a new project which I have been planning for a GB on another site.
It was inspired by some of Logan’s amazing profiles, specifically those of the B-51 (XB-51) shown below. The Israeli version was the one I found the most interesting, but the nose of the second one I liked as well. So the plan was hatched to combine them both and build a precision strike aircraft for the Israeli air force.
I also have another project that I’ve shown here for a RAAF Skyshark operating in Vietnam. That really got me thinking these past couple of days and now I finally have a plan!!! I’m chasing a 1/48 Collect-Aire XB-51, so I may get to do both eventually!
So a real “WhatIf” scenario.....
The Martin XB-51 was given the go ahead over the EE Canberra as the USAF’s new ground attack aircraft. The Australian government at this was also looking at a replacement for the Avro Lincoln bombers, and with strengthening ties to the US chose the B-51 over the Canberra. The contract also allowed for the aircraft to be built locally, with the first aircraft entering service in late 1953, initially seeing action in the Malayan Emergency.
In 1967 in response to the request of the US, 2 Sqn sent a detachment of aircraft to Vietnam, primarily for bombing missions over the southern region, where they were commended for their performance. No.2 Sqn were deployed again in 1971 again in bombing support missions as well as a new ground attack role. For this the RAAF were supplied under a lend-lease arrangement 6 new “Tropic Moon III” B-51G’s, which had a modified nose containing FLIR, LLTV and laser designator. Plus one special Pave Gat modified aircraft that was fitted with a single M61 20mm cannon mounted in an Emerson TAT-161 turret fitted to a modified bomb bay. These aircraft were deployed to help combat the movement of enemy troop and supplies along the Ho Chi Min trail and other areas. Though not 100% successful at this task when compared to the AC-130’s, these aircraft served the rest of their time in Vietnam in this role carrying out over 12000 sorties for the loss of only two aircraft.
On return to Australia they served with No’s 1 & 6 Sqn until the last was retired in 1982, they were ultimately replaced by the North American A-5C & RA-5C Vigilante (can see another project here!).So this one is going to be one of the Tropic Moon B-51G’s, maybe even the Pave Gat one. I’ll be using a Anigrand's 1/72 XB-51 (it's resin and I love it!) as the base and pinching the nose, cockpit and other bits off an old B-57G I have, plus whatever else I can find in the spares box or on Evilbay which will suit the build. The scheme will be standard USAF SEA colours based on Logan's profile, which is quite suitable as it’s a “lend-lease” aircraft, with RAAF 2 Sqn markings of that period.
The only thing I felt that wasn’t quite right with the nose of the USAF B-51 was the angle of the radome and chin pod, they seem to be facing too far down. So a quick visit in Photoshop (hope you don’t mind Logan) and a nose job later......
Anyway I will be starting this project in the near future, either the beginning of May or August as part of a GB.....unless time and job permit I can start sooner....have plenty of other projects for those GB’s. Plus will have a separate thread for the build so as to leave this one for ideas and comments.
