Model of a De Havilland DH-106 Comet 3 or 4
Promotional or Celebratory, United States
Brass
1954-1964

This is a solid-brass 1:100 scale model of a De Havilland DH-106 Comet 3 or 4. To much of the world, the Comet 1 and 2 represented the pinnacle of post-WWII innovation and future of modern aviation.  But due to a number of high-profile in-flight catastrophes in 1954, the Comet quickly shifted from being considered the most advanced aircraft in the world to being a perilous risk. 

After years of research that included the most expensive aviation investigation in history (at the time), it was determined that the supports around the windows accelerated metal fatigue and caused the in-flight disintegrations. These window supports had been riveted or punched, rather than drilled or glued as designed. This design flaw created tiny manufacturing defects that - with repeated compressions and decompressions - created metal fatigue cracks. 

This piece was likely created during the beginning of the prodution of the model 4, when there was hope that confidence in the Comet could be restored. Missile-shaped protrusions were added to the wing-based fuel tanks for models 3 and 4 to increase fuel capacity and sexiness. But ultimately, the Comet would never recover from the 1954 disasters. 

Weight: 3144g

13.625 in :: 34.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2878

Not For Sale