From the collection of a distinguished NASA test pilot comes this original North American Aviation contractor/desk model of the XB-70A Valkyrie — serial number 20001, representing AV-1, the first prototype ever built.
Unlike the commercial mahogany reproductions commonly seen today, this is a genuine period contractor piece: solid plastic construction, correctly marked with the "20001" serial, and mounted on its original swept acrylic/lucite display stand with black base — the classic 1960s–70s style North American Aviation produced for office, boardroom, and executive-suite display. These were never sold commercially; they were made as corporate and promotional pieces, which makes surviving examples genuinely scarce.
About the aircraft: The XB-70 was North American's answer to the Air Force's demand for a six-engine, delta-winged bomber capable of Mach 3+ at 70,000 feet — designed as a nuclear-armed, deep-penetration strategic bomber for Strategic Air Command. Only two prototypes were ever built and flown, from 1964 to 1969. One was lost in a 1966 mid-air collision; the surviving aircraft is preserved today at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio.
This model is finished at approximately 1/190 scale (6" wingspan, 15.5" body length), and notably depicts the wingtips in their drooped, high-speed flight position — the configuration the real XB-70 used at Mach 3, rather than the raised ground/subsonic position seen on most models. It's a nice authentic touch rarely captured in desk models.
Condition: Very good. One decal shows very slight wear/damage on close inspection (see photo), which does not detract from overall display quality. This model does not have the forward pitot boom seen on some XB-70 replicas — there is no break or attachment point at the nose, indicating this was produced without one rather than having lost it. Displays beautifully on its original lucite stand.
A wonderful piece for the serious aerospace collector, Cold War militaria enthusiast, or anyone who appreciates genuine contractor-produced aviation history — not a modern reproduction.
Quick Facts
- Subject: North American XB-70A Valkyrie, S/N 20001 (AV-1, first prototype)
- Maker: North American Aviation — original contractor/promotional desk model, not a commercial reproduction
- Material: Solid plastic
- Stand: Original swept acrylic/lucite display stand, black base
- Scale: ~1/190 (6" wingspan, 15.5" length)
- Era: 1960s–70s corporate/executive display piece
- Configuration: Wingtips shown in drooped high-speed flight position (Mach 3 configuration), rather than the raised ground position seen on most models
- Condition: Very good; one decal with very slight wear
- Notable: No pitot boom fitted — appears to be an as-manufactured variant of this model rather than a broken/missing part (no attachment scar or break point at the nose)
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