Republic XFW-1 Seabolt

[b29r]

The Seabolt was an experimental multi-role aircraft tested by the Navy in late 1947. The Navy was interested in aircraft that could perform a wide variety of missions with minimal reconfiguration. The USAAF P-47N won some grudging admiration from naval planners as a rugged aircraft that had great range and speed, and could be versatile in mission requirements. The obvious modification was the V-tail assembly in a weight saving (range increasing) feature, and secondly, the engine combination came from the P-47J, which allowed speeds up to 475 mph.

Contra rotating props, a commonly tried application during this time period were also utilized, and were effective at eliminating torque roll on takeoff. Other less noticeable changes included an enlarged bubble canopy, which allowed the pilot to raise his seat for better visibility during carrier landings. The aircraft as pictured had its gun armament removed and was tested in the photo recon role. Even though testing was favorable, the Navy felt that the new Skyraider and follow on Skyshark programs would be sufficient to fulfill this need, and was therefore not adopted.  The airframe remained after testing at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station until it was scrapped in 1954.





This is the ancient Revell kit, with some Airfix and VEB items ground into it    It was thrown together quickly, and it shows.  Running for cover now in a serpentine fashion

Hope you all have a great day
Kem

[Rheged]

  Running for cover now in a serpentine fashion

No need to run for cover with a product like this.   Well done, and welcome to Whiffworld!!

[loupgarou]

Nice beast!  and I appreciate the concept of running in serpentine fashion!   

[sandiego89]

Looks good!  Like the engine/prop choice especially.  Does she have a tail hook? 

[NARSES2]

Interesting build. Seen a few navalised Mustangs but not Thud's.

Come out well

[comrade harps]

Hadn't thought of a carrier Jug 

Love the nasal engineering 

[kerick]

Nasal or Naval?

[nighthunter]

Looks a lot like the Boeing XF8F.

[b29r]

Thanks everyone!

It was just a dopey little kit that was headed for the trash . . . until a light bulb came on    The port wing is warped big time 

sandiego89:  Republic engineers decided that since their was room in the rear fuselage, that they would make the tailhook completely retractable.   The deck handlers were NOT impressed with that turbo close by 

nighthunter:  I should have added a B-17 type tail unit to it . . . maybe next one

Actually it was a test model for a 1/32 version, provided I can work out the contraprop unit somehow.
Best regards,
Kem

[Captain Canada]

Nice. Really changes the look of it eh ? Like a whole new aeroplane to me...love the way the prop hub/ spinner protrudes. Not a real big fan of the V-tail, but it will do ! lol. Nice work