1/144 AA4044 Anigrand Bartini-Beriev VVA-14M1P
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
Sells for $88 new. This is a highly detailed resin model. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions. In late 1950s, the U.S. Navy started the Polaris program which ultimately armed US submarines with ballistic missiles. The USSR quickly issued a requirement for an Anti-Submarine-Warfare system to counter this urgent threat. The Minister of Defense selected Bartini's floatplane design and ordered Beriev OKB to build three prototypes. It was to be developed in three phases. The VVA-14M1 was to be a technology test-bed with inflatable pontoons. The VVA-14M2 was to be more advanced with fly-by-wire flight controls. The third stage would be the VTOL vehicle fully equipped with weapons. In 1972 the first prototype made its first flight. In 1974, the inflatable pontoons were installed but the expansion and retraction caused many problems. They were later replaced by rigid pontoons and the fuselage was lengthened and a pair of 'starting' engines were added. The program continued in 1974 but the engine vibrations caused breakage of the landing gears and rear control flaps. Beriev was given higher-priority work with the A-40 and IL-78, so the program was terminated. Only the one prototype was produced.
$64.00