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Add authentic Cold War-era experimental ordnance to your 1/72 scale bomber aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed Bold Orion WS-199B air-launched ballistic missile from MPM Hobbies. As one of the most ambitious experimental weapons programs of the 1950s, the Bold Orion represents a pioneering effort to develop air-launched ballistic missile technology—and now you can recreate that legacy with museum-quality detail on your B-47 Stratojet and other strategic bomber aircraft.
The Bold Orion (WS-199B) holds a distinguished place in Cold War aviation history as an experimental air-launched ballistic missile developed by Martin Marietta during the late 1950s. Part of the broader Weapons System 199 program, Bold Orion was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of launching ballistic missiles from high-altitude bombers, potentially extending the reach and survivability of America's strategic nuclear deterrent. The program represented a revolutionary concept: rather than relying solely on ground-based ICBMs or bomber-delivered gravity weapons, Bold Orion would allow strategic bombers to launch ballistic missiles from standoff range, keeping the aircraft outside enemy air defense zones while still delivering nuclear warheads to their targets.
The Bold Orion missile was carried aloft by B-47 Stratojet bombers and launched at high altitude. The weapon employed a solid-fuel rocket motor that would propel it on a ballistic trajectory toward its target after release from the carrier aircraft. This air-launched ballistic missile concept offered several advantages over conventional gravity bombs, including extended range, higher speed, and the ability to engage targets from beyond the reach of enemy air defenses. While the Bold Orion program was ultimately superseded by other weapons systems, it provided valuable data that influenced the development of later air-launched cruise missiles and standoff weapons. The program demonstrated both the technical challenges and strategic potential of air-launched ballistic missiles, contributing to the evolution of strategic weapons doctrine during the Cold War.
The Bold Orion WS-199B was carried by B-47 Stratojet bombers during test flights. This missile is ideal for detailing the following 1/72 scale aircraft:
This product was designed using limited historical references and technical documentation. Due to the experimental and classified nature of the Bold Orion program, comprehensive photographic and technical data is scarce. MPM Hobbies has made every effort to ensure accuracy based on available sources. If you have access to additional historical references or technical documentation that could improve the accuracy of this model, please contact MPM Hobbies. The design will be updated to reflect new information, and changes will only be made to increase historical accuracy using verified references.
Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the missile to your aircraft's pylon or bomb bay before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most experimental missiles of this era were finished in overall white or light gray with black stenciling and markings. Reference photos, when available, will help ensure accurate finish for your specific configuration.
MPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For experimental and rare weapons systems like the Bold Orion, we welcome collaboration with historians and researchers to continually improve accuracy.
Bring Cold War experimental aviation history to life with the authentic Bold Orion WS-199B air-launched ballistic missile from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
