Convair-Ehricke Nuclear Exploratory

Based on the work of visionary rocket engineer Krafft Ericke, the Convair NEV features classic mid-century speculative spacecraft design. Measuring 19.75 inches long fully assembled, this precision-tooled styrene kit features a propulsion core surrounded by 5 fuel tanks and a forward crew compartment featuring a clear observation dome. This skill-level 3 kit includes a clear display base. The kit also includes decals and complete instructions. Kit requires paint and cement — sold separately.

The Nuclear Exploratory Vehicle was designed by Krafft Ehricke (1917-1984) in the mid-1950s. A visionary engineer and protégé of Walter Thiel at Peenemunde (1942 V-2 team), he had early concepts for nuclear and Lox/LH2 engines and advanced spacecraft designs. The NEV spacecraft was proposed to be assembled in space at a low orbit and would be powered by a NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) mod-2 engine. Ehricke imagined the spaceship to have a habitat for up to four astronauts in the front of the spacecraft separated by a long neck to reduce exposure to radiation by the nuclear engine. Ehricke proposed the spacecraft would take humans to Mars and beyond!*