Artwork of Various CCAs / UAS

[Reddington777]

Didn't want to plague the main threads for CCAs and UAS with artwork anymore so I made a thread for it.

So far I've modeled some of YFQ-42 and now the MQ-25 since I find them both to be pretty cool. The MQ-25 is a pretty sleek and distinctive aircraft in terms of current UAS designs and the YFQ-42 looks like a glorified cruise missile next to it, but here's a rough size comparison.


Unlike some of my other models I've made, this one is going to be a 3d print model. Just finished the planform so far and will model in the hatches, gears and sensors later.

 

[Reddington777]

 

[EmoBirb]

The inlet on the MQ-25 was always quite intriguing to me, certainly an interesting feature for a pure tanker. One assumes it's a residual carry-over from previous naval UAV efforts.

 

[jmspeedfreak]

Very nice/clean lofting @Reddington777

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

The inlet on the MQ-25 was always quite intriguing to me, certainly an interesting feature for a pure tanker. One assumes it's a residual carry-over from previous naval UAV efforts.

MQ-25 is designed with LO in mind, though it isn't stealthy. Tankers being less detectable to radar has obvious benefits operationally.

 

[Reddington777]

Yeah the physics of the intake would be really interesting to learn about. I can only imagine its because the cavity creates some sort of lower pressure area that sucks air in?

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Dorsal intakes are little different to ventral intakes in horizontal flight. Its only in high angle of attack that they get interesting.

Then there's the flush NACA intake, that's interesting at all angles of attack. Rarely used on aircraft intakes as its performance is generally poorer, but can be good for stealth.

 

[EmoBirb]

Then there's the flush NACA intake, that's interesting at all angles of attack. Rarely used on aircraft intakes as its performance is generally poorer, but can be good for stealth.

YF-93 had a NACA duct as an intake, right?

 

[Seragina]

YF-93 had a NACA duct as an intake, right?

Yes. Too bad engine power was mediocre at the time.

Yeah the physics of the intake would be really interesting to learn about. I can only imagine its because the cavity creates some sort of lower pressure area that sucks air in?

It's a simple edge vortex generation creating a sucking effect, weak but it works.