MPM Hobbies 1/32 Scale Mark 7 "Thor" Tactical Nuclear Bomb
Add authentic Cold War-era nuclear ordnance to your 1/32 scale jet aircraft models with this precision 3D printed Mark 7 "Thor" tactical nuclear bomb from MPM Hobbies. As America's first tactical fission bomb, the Mk-7 represents a pivotal moment in Cold War history and was carried by numerous fighter-bombers throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Historical Significance:
The Mark 7 "Thor" holds a distinguished place in nuclear weapons history as the first tactical fission bomb adopted by US armed forces in 1952. Unlike strategic nuclear weapons designed for long-range bombers, the Mk-7 was specifically engineered for tactical fighter-bomber delivery, making nuclear capability available to frontline combat aircraft for the first time. This revolutionary weapon remained in service from 1952 to 1967, with approximately 1,700 to 1,800 units produced during its operational lifetime.
Innovative Delivery System:
The Mark 7 was the first nuclear weapon designed for delivery using the toss bombing method with the Low-Altitude Bombing System (LABS). This technique allowed fighter-bombers to approach targets at low altitude, pull up into a steep climb, release the weapon in an upward arc, and escape the blast radius before detonation. The weapon was tested during Operation Buster-Jangle, validating this revolutionary delivery concept that would influence tactical nuclear doctrine for decades.
Design Features:
To facilitate external carriage by fighter-bomber aircraft, the Mark 7 was fitted with distinctive retractable stabilizer fins that folded for storage and deployment. This innovative design allowed the weapon to be carried on standard bomb racks while maintaining aerodynamic stability during flight. The compact size and relatively light weight (approximately 1,650 pounds) made it compatible with a wide range of tactical aircraft.
Versatile Warhead Platform:
The Mark 7 warhead (designated W7) proved so successful that it formed the basis for multiple weapon systems including:
- 30.5-inch (775mm) BOAR rocket system
- Mark 90 Betty nuclear depth charge for anti-submarine warfare
- MGR-1 Honest John tactical rocket
- MGM-5 Corporal ballistic missile
NATO Service:
Under Project E, an agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom on RAF carriage of US nuclear weapons, the Mark 7 was supplied for delivery by Royal Air Force Canberra aircraft assigned to NATO forces in Germany under SACEUR command. In British service, it was designated as 1,650 lb. H.E. M.C., reflecting its weight and high-explosive classification.
Product Features:
- Scale-Accurate Detail - Precisely scaled 1/32 representation with authentic proportions and distinctive retractable fin configuration
- Premium 3D Printed Resin - High-resolution printing captures fine details including panel lines, fin mechanisms, and mounting hardware
- Unpainted Resin - Ships in raw resin finish, ready for priming and painting in your chosen scheme
- Historically Accurate - Based on reference photos and technical documentation of actual Mk-7 weapons
- Made in the USA - Designed, printed, and quality-controlled by MPM Hobbies in America
- Distinctive Design - Captures the unique retractable stabilizer fin configuration
Compatible Aircraft Models:
The Mark 7 was carried by numerous tactical aircraft during its service life. This ordnance is ideal for detailing the following 1/32 scale aircraft:
- F-100 Super Sabre variants - Primary tactical nuclear delivery platform
- F-86 Sabre variants - Early tactical nuclear capability
- F-84 Thunderjet and Thunderstreak - NATO tactical strike aircraft
- F-101 Voodoo - Tactical fighter-bomber
- A-4 Skyhawk - Navy tactical nuclear delivery
- RAF English Electric Canberra - British tactical bomber under Project E
Preparation and Finishing:
This product ships as unpainted 3D printed resin with support structures intact. You will need to carefully remove the 3D printer supports using a sharp hobby knife or flush cutters before assembly. After support removal, clean the parts thoroughly and test-fit the weapon to your aircraft's pylon or bomb rack. Prime with a quality resin primer, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Mark 7 weapons were typically finished in bare metal, olive drab, or white depending on the era and service. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
Complementary Products at MPM Hobbies:
- MPM Aircraft Resins collection - Complete range of ordnance, cockpit details, and aircraft upgrades
- 1/32 aircraft aftermarket parts - Additional detail sets and accessories
- Other Mark 7 variants in 1/48 scale and 1/72 scale
- Additional Cold War-era ordnance for tactical aircraft
About MPM Hobbies:
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 additional historical information about the Mark 7 nuclear bomb, visit the Mark 7 nuclear bomb Wikipedia page.
Bring Cold War aviation history to life with the authentic Mark 7 "Thor" tactical nuclear bomb from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.