In the world, there are airplanes with designs that make you rub your eyes and wonder, “Huh? Did this really fly?” One of those “heretics of the sky” is the “Curtiss XP-55 Ascender,” which we introduce today. Its appearance alone defies common sense. What does it mean for the propeller to be at the back of the aircraft? Moreover, it has small wings on the nose, giving it a futuristic look. This, unbelievably, is a prototype aircraft that was seriously built in the US in the 1940s.

The development of the XP-55 began in 1939. The proposal from the US Army Air Corps at the time was, “Build an agile interceptor fighter with a powerful new engine!” Curtiss's answer to that was the innovative canard design. It was incredibly ambitious. The maiden flight took place in the summer of 1943. The moment Prototype No. 1 soared into the sky must have been the moment a dream took shape. However, the expected engine was cancelled, and the replacement had low output, preventing it from flying as intended...... It met a tragic end, crashing during test flights. Nevertheless, this aircraft is packed with the passion and challenge of its engineers.

Now, this “XP-55 Ascender No. 1 Aircraft” has been revived as the latest plastic model kit. The distinctive canards (forewings) and unique main wing shape, reproduced with new molds, are mesmerizing the more you look at the craftsmanship. Furthermore, the kit includes mask seals useful for painting, photo-etched parts for detail enhancement, and two types of selectable decals. The canopy is thoughtfully designed to be built open or closed, allowing for personalization of the finished model. The finished size is a modest but commanding presence at 188mm in length and 258mm in wingspan. It will make an overwhelming impact even when displayed on a shelf.

What is important for plastic model enthusiasts is not just the act of “assembly,” but the experience of “assembling a story.” This XP-55 kit condenses the challenges, setbacks, and ingenuity of engineers. The joy of building it comes not only from enjoying its unusual shape but also from expanding your imagination about why such an aircraft was born and what the historical background was. The time spent quietly assembling the parts can even feel like being present at the scene of technology development.