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Armed Escort Tiltrotor

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  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Friday, March 3, 2006 6:16 PM
Ooooh! There you go Mac, finish it in those three ACU colors. Those will be perfect for The Beast!
------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Pacific Northwest
Posted by MBT70 on Friday, March 3, 2006 5:39 PM
Since the sky is the limit on such an extensive kitbash, you might want to do your own version of the new digital camo pattern that's on the USMC and Army field uniforms.  Lay it down with 45-degree slant across the whole airframe to give it that certain je'ne se'quois ...
Life is tough. Then you die.
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Friday, March 3, 2006 5:40 AM

 Unknownpharoah wrote:
many more mods and this piece will be heading to the sci-fi forum.Clown [:o)]

This thing has begun to take on a life of it's own.  I'm really just thinking of shortening the tail and restoring some of the Osprey lines.  As far as the tailplanes are concerned, I like what Trigger has done.  The v-tail is also a leading contender.  I am just trying to steer away from adding more  Frankenstein's monster elements to it.

Mac

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Friday, March 3, 2006 3:24 AM

I was going to use the tail from my V-22 kit, but it was way too wide to mate up with the Mohawk's tapered tail, so I just chopped the tailplanes and will graft them on somehow to give me the twin tail configuration that I wanted.  Just a matter of some styrene stock and putty to blend it all in nice.

Never thought of a V-tail, that would be a cool look.

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 2, 2006 3:17 PM
many more mods and this piece will be heading to the sci-fi forum.Clown [:o)]
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Thursday, March 2, 2006 2:26 PM
 MBT70 wrote:

Here's and idea ... and easy to do besides.  What if you made the empennage into a V-configuration like a Beechcraft Bonanza or a Fougia Magistar?  That would clean up the lines, reduce weight and still be aerodynamically in synch with the rest of the airframe.

That has crossed my mind more than once.  I am also re-thinking the whole aft fuselage since seeing a V-22 here yesterday.

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: phoenix
Posted by grandadjohn on Thursday, March 2, 2006 1:03 PM
Wierd, yes, ugly don't know, but coming along good
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Pacific Northwest
Posted by MBT70 on Thursday, March 2, 2006 12:50 PM

Here's and idea ... and easy to do besides.  What if you made the empennage into a V-configuration like a Beechcraft Bonanza or a Fougia Magistar?  That would clean up the lines, reduce weight and still be aerodynamically in synch with the rest of the airframe.

 

Just thinkin' out loud .....

Life is tough. Then you die.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Belgium
Posted by DanCooper on Monday, February 27, 2006 11:43 AM
OMG, thanks alot, now my monitor is busted.......


On the bench : Revell's 1/125 RV Calypso

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Monday, February 27, 2006 10:16 AM
Mac -
I look at that and all I can think about that is "You're one ugly Censored [censored]!" I think that you've taken away the Ugly Award from my design. Bravo!!!!! Wings look real good, what with that upsweep and all.

Lemonjello -
OMG! Do you not have a copy there? I'm sending you an e-mail...this situation is totally unacceptable; we'll get that problem fixed ASAP!
------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Monday, February 27, 2006 6:36 AM

"Aaaagggghhhh, my eyes! My eyes!  They burn!...Those photos should come with a warning about the elderly, small children and those with heart conditions should not view them!"

Seriously, though, that's a lot of serious work you've put into the "Beast".  It makes the amount of putty that I'm going to have to use seem pretty trivial.  I'm digging the design, and its fun to try and figure out which parts from which kits you're using.  Plus, you've got a lot of room for the things that go "boom!" under the wings.   I think you'll easily have the heaviest armed escort of the bunch, Screaminhelo.  Heck, you probably had that one won with the A-10's cannon.  Keep the updates coming!

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Sunday, February 26, 2006 1:32 PM

Finally! Some shots of the Beast!



There is alot to be done here but this is the basic concept.  I am doing alot of thinking on the tail and the rotors.  Weapons loadout is still pretty open right now too.

I'll do a little editing on these and try to make them show up a little better

Mac

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Saturday, February 25, 2006 10:48 AM
Oh, I'm thinking about it, and I'll give it a good mock-up when I get a chance, but I think I'll come back to the big limiting factor with my design; the rotor disk in forward flight will be right close to the fuselage, not leaving much room for anything that's not close to directly under the hull.  It's still worth a look.  I'll keep knocking all these ideas around my skull until I can really settle on something that I like.  Keep the ideas rolling in, though, its a good mental exercise.
A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Saturday, February 25, 2006 7:12 AM

 LemonJello wrote:
I'm really leaning toward that gunpod, then I wouldn't be limited as much as I would be with a turret.  I'm thinking a 20mm or 30mm chain gun-type rather than a gatling would work well. Dual ammo feed for AP and HE maybe?

What about using the idea from the Hokum but turn the gun so that it pivots in the horizontal plane?  You can still use most any weapon that would fit under the plane and it expands the field of fire a great deal over a gun pod.  A 30mm would give alot of punch without too much of a space/weight penalty.  This is one of the ideas that I have been kicking around.

Mac

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Saturday, February 25, 2006 2:32 AM

That's a possibility, make them fall under a SpecOps composite squadron that could create detachments to be tasked out to a MEU or other unit as needed.  Like you said, food for thought, AH1Wsnake.

I think I'll stay away from any "lasers" (unless they're attached to friggin sharks' heads) and just rely on proven systems for the weapons suite on this one.  A 30mm chain gun and some Hellfires will do nicely.  I'll admit, its fun to think of different loadouts, I don't know about using it in a SEAD/Iron Hand role, but a pair of Harpoons would make quick work of most nations' naval inventory. 

Trigger, I need to watch Fletch again, I'm fresh out of quotes. 

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Modeling anything with "MARINES" on the side.
Posted by AH1Wsnake on Friday, February 24, 2006 4:39 PM

Here's some real-world news to give the tilt-rotor escort and AV-22 builds some teeth:

Marine Corps Special Operations Command Activated
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,89330,00.html?ESRC=marinenews.RSS

Maybe these craft would have a home in a Marine-type "SOAR" unit, if not fleet squadrons. Food for hypothetical thought, anyways. Keep up the great work on these scratchbuilt wonders, guys.

 

"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and those who have met them in battle. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Friday, February 24, 2006 1:12 PM
Well, you could always go with this:
"Advanced Tactical Lasers (ATL)

The U.S. Army wants to develop an airborne tactical laser for use by special operations forces. The system is intended to be mounted on a V-22 tilt rotor or CH-47 Chinook helicopter, to be used for covert activities such as setting fires.35 The ATL would use a COIL, the same technology used on the ABL program. However, the power output by the Army's system would be at levels around 50-75 kW and the maximum range of the system will only be several kilometers,. The system will have a sealed exhaust system. The U.S. Special Operations Command is sponsoring the technology demonstration. Boeing has been advancing the ATL concept, but the Army has yet to make a decision on whether to complete the program."

Complete Article

"Now, you know that and I know that, but somebody's bucking for a promotion..."

------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Friday, February 24, 2006 7:34 AM

Phil, I'll take you up on the offer of those Hellfires, thank you, sir.  I was going to try to come up with something from my current stocks, but I really wanted a missile.  Iron bombs, even LGBs just didn't seem to fit the profile I had in my mind for this bird.

I'd post photos, but most of my work is only in my mind for the next few months.  Then, once I get back, I plan on getting some of these projects knocked out.  This one and my AV-22 are tops of the list.  I've got to make room for the kits I'll be buying once I'm home. 

I'm really leaning toward that gunpod, then I wouldn't be limited as much as I would be with a turret.  I'm thinking a 20mm or 30mm chain gun-type rather than a gatling would work well. Dual ammo feed for AP and HE maybe?

"My car just hit a water buffalo, can I borrow your towel?"

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 11:14 AM
Hmmm.... I think you're onto something with that central gun pod idea. Your F-35Bs will carry it's cannon in an external, central mounted belly pod. There you go - commonality!

"Look, defenseless babies!"

------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Maryland
Posted by Par429 on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 9:40 AM

Hey, really glad to see that you all are making some progress on your configs.  I'd love to see some pictures.  LJ, I bought far to many kits when I was building my Escort, so I have some Hellfire and launchers left over that you are welcome to. 

Phil

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 5:19 AM

I'm using the 1/72 sponsors that I carved off.  I'm happy with the wing from that kit as well.  Now, if you know of anyone with some spare hellfires and launchers laying around, we can deal...

That's an interesting idea, hang a chain gun to this side with some type of system to give me a little traverse and elevation.  Maybe even one on each side?  Or I could put a gun pod-type setup on my centerline pylon and then still have two stations for missiles/rockets. 

Heck, I may just go ahead and put one pylon under each wing that can only be used in "helo mode." 

"I didn't want to have to pull rank.  But, I'm with the mattress police, there are no tags on these mattresses."

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 12:15 PM
I think I've got a Hog in the boneyard if you decide you want the wing. Are you using 1:48 or 1:72 Osprey sponsons?

I was thinking about your gun situation earlier and this came to mind:




Haven't spent any time on my build, I've been too busy raising Chitlins for their coats. Mean little animals.

------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 3:25 AM

Trigger, I've added the sponsons from my donor V-22 to the mohawk body, that's where I'm getting the space for the three or four hardpoints AND the rear landing gear.  The Mohawk fuselage is so narrow after the cockpit, that I had to add something to give it a wider stance and a little more internal fuel as well.  The gun is the sticking point right now in my mind.  Something will work out.

An A-10 wing would give you a lot more room than the 1/72 V-22 wing I'm using, that's for sure. 

In good news, I just got my Publisher's Clearinghouse envelope with Ed McMahon on the front, I could already be a winner...

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Monday, February 20, 2006 4:36 PM
 Screaminhelo wrote:

I am using the wing from the A-10, so that gives me some room under there.  Much of the fuselage uses the A-10 for a backbone with pieces from the -64 reshaping it.

I like the lines Trigger.  Have you settled on straight tails?  I thought the anglrd ones looked pretty good.  The engineer weenies probably could tell me why it wouldn't work, but who cares if it works as long as it looks good.

LJ-
If you ever get that fetzer valve figured out, everything will fall into place. (Or maybe I just walked into an inside joke)

Mac



Thanks Mac. The tails will be canted outward. I could probably b.s. some reasons that sound good from an armchair-engineering perspective, but I agree with you - they just look better. Besides, that's why we have fly-by-wire!

No inside joke here - LJ's just having some problems with his flurocarbon output. Thumbs Up [tup]
------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Monday, February 20, 2006 11:32 AM

I am using the wing from the A-10, so that gives me some room under there.  Much of the fuselage uses the A-10 for a backbone with pieces from the -64 reshaping it.

I like the lines Trigger.  Have you settled on straight tails?  I thought the anglrd ones looked pretty good.  The engineer weenies probably could tell me why it wouldn't work, but who cares if it works as long as it looks good.

LJ-
If you ever get that fetzer valve figured out, everything will fall into place. (Or maybe I just walked into an inside joke)

Mac

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Monday, February 20, 2006 9:15 AM
I got lucky with mine. the Bronco's fuselage is so narrow compared to the wingspan of the wings that I have a decent gap that allows me to add stub wings for weapons.

What you might want to consider are sponsons on either side of the fuselage from which to hang things:

P.S. - Need to borrow some gauze?

------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Sunday, February 19, 2006 10:55 AM

I've got to see a beast that will have room for underwing pylons!  I wanted to try that, but the rotor disc is so big it covers the entire leading edge when the nacelles are in forward flight mode on my version.  I pondered having some weapons that would only be available while in a hover, but that may be asking for trouble...

Now if I can just figure out how to fix that fetzer valve...

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Moooooon River!
Posted by Trigger on Friday, February 17, 2006 6:57 PM
I forgot, are you using an Apache as the basis of the fuselage?
------------------------------------------------------------------ - Grant "Can't let that nest in there..."
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Screaminhelo on Friday, February 17, 2006 2:30 PM

I am thinking of adding a 30mm to my beast.  The GAU-8 is what I am building this thing around, but I don't think that would be a good idea to fire it at a hover.  I am thinking of the fixed gun for running fire and hard targets and a flexible gun for the light work.  I am hoping that I will have room for two pylons on each wing and two or more on the fuselage.

Mac

Mac

I Didn't do it!!!

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 10:27 AM
Yeah, and that's a pretty big downside.  I think I could make a compromise of a a gun with some lateral movement, maybe some elevation as well that's built more into the nose and not hanging down under the fuselage...I'm drawing from the WWI era battleships with guns below the weather deck (I don't know the correct term for those types of emplacements) that ran along the sides of the ships.  But then I'd have to really rework the nose of the Mohawk to make room for the machinery and ammo to make that work. 
A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
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