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HL-20 Engineering Reserach Model
IPMS-USA 2008 Conventional Special

 

 

 

 

Three expert craftsmen from IPMS Tidewater have teamed up to provide a very limited edition (25)  multi-media 1/72 scale model kit of the Langley developed HL-20 engineering research model. This kit builds into an attractive and unique addition to any real space collection. These kits will only be available at the IPMS-USA 2008 National Convention. Cost is $30 and all proceeds go to the club.

 

Mastered by Ben Guenther – Nationally recognized, award-winning modeler and retired NASA Langley model maker

 

Casting by Ben Guenther & David Merriman – expert pattern maker noted for his studio model and RC submarine work

 

Decals by Bill Kluge – artist, modeler and convention graphics artist.

 

Background on the HL-20

 

During the late 1980's NASA, Langley Research Center developed their entry for the Personnel Launch System. It was called the HL-20. (Horizontal Landing-20th type). Designed for manned orbital missions complementing the Space Shuttle, it was to have had a low operational cost and improved flight safety. A full scale engineering research model of the HL-20 was constructed for studying crew seating arrangements, habitability, equipment layout and crew ingress and egress. The engineering research model provided full external and interior definition of the HL-20 for studies at the Langley Research Center.

 

 

 

  • IPMS-USA HL-20 Preview: Image
  • IPMS-USA HL-20 Preview: Image
  • IPMS-USA HL-20 Preview: Image
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Kit Contents:

 

  • 3 resin pieces (main body and two wings)
  • 9 white metal pieces (main and nose gear/tires)
  • 4 Styrene pieces (gear doors)
  • Color decals (Alps printed, coated with Microscale Decal Film)
  • Assembly, painting and decaling instructions
  • NASA Fact sheet on HL-20

 

Completed model dimensions:

 

length 5.7 inches

height 2 inches

span 4 inches