Northrop TAB

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Attached are photos of a TAB factory proposal model (TAB = Truck-Airplane-Boat) from Northrop Corp. in Hawthorne, California.

An article on this project was published some time ago by Northrop's Tony Chong, and I hope some SPF members have more details on this cleverly utilitarian, roadable, amphibian aircraft.
 

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Orionblamblam said:
circle-5 said:
An article on this project was published some time ago by Northrop's Tony Chong,

Don't leave us hanging. Published where?

I think it was in a Northrop company newsletter -- as opposed to a commercially available publication. I will see if I can obtain the article, unless somebody beats me to it and posts a scan of it, right here on SPF!
 
Truly fascinating. Only thing that's missing to make my joy complete is a model designation...

It also seems like an eminently viable project...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Airplane-Concept-Prototype-Desk-Model-Northrup-Amphibious-US-Army-1960-Rare-/181219424737?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3184f9e1

We offer for auction a very unusual prototype model. This is an amphibious cargo aircraft, I was told this was built by Northrup, but I do not know for sure. I have no idea if it went into service, anyone who recognizes this model please let me know. It is I believe made from painted wood & may have some metal parts. I cannot tell because there is little paint wear. The wheels are wood, there some chips to the black tire paint & the cargo door has paint wear at the sides so the wood can be seen. Also the left wing has slight warping so I am pretty sure most of the model is made from wood. The wingspan measures 18" & it is 12" long. The roof behind the cockpit is removable & can be replaced with a canvas roof that is stored inside the model. The wheels retract, although over time a couple have become a little loose & will not stay up. The same with the cargo door at the rear, I guess the metal posts holding these in place can be tightened but I do not know how to. The model is mounted on a nice wooden base. There is no damage to the model, it is close to mint except for the paint chips on the wheels & maybe one 'ARMY' decal is missing on the left rear side. This is a very well made aviaton factory prototype model, not something mass produced in Asia. The propeller does not spin, but the aileron behind it does move up & down.
 

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i saw this aircraft as drawing in this forum.
dam, i have to look deep in, to find it.
 
Michel Van said:
i saw this aircraft as drawing in this forum.
dam, i have to look deep in, to find it.


Anyway, Great find my dear Paul,it's new for me.
 
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