Academy 12363 1/48 USN XF5F-1 'Skyrocket'

Experimental twin-engine carrier fighter aircraft developed by Grumman for the U.S. Navy in the late 1930s.

Powered by two Wright R-1820 Cyclone counter-rotating radial engines, the Skyrocket’s top speed was 358 mph and could climb 10,000 ft in just over four minutes. During diving tests the Skyrocket reached a speed of 485 mph.

One prototype was built and its first flight was on April 1st 1940. At the time it was the Navy’s largest fighter, with a wingspan of 42 ft and length just under 29 ft.

The unique Skyrocket served for research purposes until being dismantled after an accident in late 1944.