X-3 Stiletto Scale Model Aircraft

Item#: CX3T

MSRP Price: $190.03

Factory Direct Price: $142.52

Wing Span: 8.50
Length: 25.25

Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company Inc.

Introducing Factory Direct Models X-3 Stiletto Military Aircraft Model, This Model Airplane Replica was hand crafted with absolute precision using the finest Philippine Mahogany. Working from our library of blueprints, reference materials and their photographs, Factory Direct Models master artisans recreated this historic military warplane into an incredibly desktop display model.

Please note that the stand shown in this photograph may vary or change with the model you receive.

We also make Custom Made Airplane Models to meet your specifications with the capability to include your company logo and inscribed inscription plaque to make your model a personalized work of art. If you would like personalized Custom Model Model Please Call (866) 580-8727.

X-3 Stiletto History:

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was a 1950s United States experimental jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered nose, manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Its primary mission was to investigate the design features of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds, which included the first use of titanium in major airframe components. It was, however, seriously underpowered for its purpose and could not even exceed Mach 1 in level flight.

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was sleekest of the early experimental aircraft, but its research accomplishments were not those originally planned. The goal of the aircraft was ambitious - it was to take off from the ground under its own power, climb to high altitude, maintain a sustained cruise speed of Mach 2, then land under its own power. The aircraft was also to test the feasibility of low-aspect ratio wings, and the large-scale use of titanium in aircraft structures.

Construction of a pair of X-3s was approved on 30 June 1949. During development, the X-3's planned Westinghouse J46 engines were unable to meet the thrust, size and weight requirements, so lower-thrust Westinghouse J34 turbojets were substituted, producing only 4,900 lbs of thrust with afterburner rather than the planned 7,000 lbs. The first aircraft was completed and delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, California, on 11 September 1952.

The X-3 featured an unusual, rakish shape of a long cylindrical fuselage with tiny trapezoidal wings. One of the design considerations was to create the smallest and "thinnest" shape possible in order to achieve a streamlined planform. The extended nose was to allow for the provision of test equipment while the semi-buried cockpit and windscreen was designed to alleviate the affects of "thermal thicket" conditions. The low aspect ratio, unswept wings were designed for high speed and later the Lockheed design team used data from the X-3 tests for the similar F-104 Starfighter wing design. Due to both engine and airframe problems, the partially completed second aircraft was cancelled, and its components were used for spare parts.