The Ryan XF2R-1 Dark Shark was an attempt to overcome the limitations of early turbojet engines by the addition of a turboprop engine.

Although the result was relatively successful the concept was superceded by early pure jet fighters.

The Ryan XF2R was a mixed power fighter with both turbojet and turboprop engines.

It was developed from the Ryan FR Fireball which combined turbojet and piston engines.

The US Navy hoped that this combination would give the aeroplane the economy and responsiveness of a piston engine with the thrust and speed of the turbojet engine.

Although the added power of the turbojet engine fitted to the XF2R gave it greater speed than the FR Fireball, the US Navy had become interested in pure jet aeroplanes by the time the XF2R flew and it was not developed beyond the one prototype.

This model represents the only XF2R-1 in about 1947.

Anigrand 1/144 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in February 2018.