The German blimps were on to something... it's time for hybrid.
What if you take a basic Super Guppy transport aircraft: Fill it half-full of helium so it weights less than a ton on the ground. No rubber or brakes lost. Stream line and blend it into a top lifting wing body..perhaps the good old delta with canards for and aft. Or triple delta. Whatever. Add body characteristics to transfer micro gust side forces into forward thrust. Use your A.I. idiot imagination. Think sailing ship. Center-lined counter-rotating propellers which pivot forward for VTOL. Multi parachutes for safety. Then an integrated high bypass turbine prop at altitude and speed for maximum cruise characteristics. 150-300kts depending on shape and use.
2plus2equals5 0 points 11 months ago
The German blimps were on to something... it's time for hybrid.
What if you take a basic Super Guppy transport aircraft:
Fill it half-full of helium so it weights less than a ton on the ground. No rubber or brakes lost.
Stream line and blend it into a top lifting wing body..perhaps the good old delta with canards for and aft. Or triple delta. Whatever.
Add body characteristics to transfer micro gust side forces into forward thrust. Use your A.I. idiot imagination. Think sailing ship.
Center-lined counter-rotating propellers which pivot forward for VTOL.
Multi parachutes for safety.
Then an integrated high bypass turbine prop at altitude and speed for maximum cruise characteristics.
150-300kts depending on shape and use.
Oi! When fucking pigs can fly, I do say!