What if

General Modelling Forum => General Modeling topics => The Idea Bank => Topic started by: RAFF-35 on November 06, 2016, 09:16:53 AM

Title: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 06, 2016, 09:16:53 AM
This is only in the idea bank at the moment as I'm not sure how far I'll get with this vacuform kit

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F70FF0C31-210A-4088-AAC3-6AFADB9380A6_zpshusqkakd.jpg&hash=ec13601c782abe6da7fc1b7a440d5bc077a7119c) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/70FF0C31-210A-4088-AAC3-6AFADB9380A6_zpshusqkakd.jpg.html)

The plan is to create a Lockheed U-2 based maritime patrol aircraft.... but internet digging has already produced a US concept for just such an aircraft...

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F364D432A-EA8D-498F-A006-08E23168F499_zpslnh3u3vn.jpg&hash=67236e5146711416d991259de3ed253007fe5232) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/364D432A-EA8D-498F-A006-08E23168F499_zpslnh3u3vn.jpg.html)

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F525486A3-1559-4BF5-A5C0-0819DA781689_zpsnpbjjqzb.jpg&hash=bb15a03cb42568578a3b0d31ee3394dc7f9854f8) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/525486A3-1559-4BF5-A5C0-0819DA781689_zpsnpbjjqzb.jpg.html)

Now my idea is that following the Nimrods untimely death, the UK is now left without the maritime patrol capability... some bright spark at BAe thought of the U2's long range and loitering capabilities AND cheap to maintain single engine..... some aging U-2c's were aquired from the boneyard and were quickly upgraded and modernised resulting in the BAe Albatross.

I've drawn up a rough sketch of my idea, however, I'm not sure whether to go for an internal weapons bay or to go wing mounted... not shown in the sketch are the wings, which I'm planning to mount a few sensor pods/wheel housings etc etc

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F930A3FD9-CDE4-4EAC-B977-D1E060C4548E_zpszsnlav1v.jpg&hash=8f4c31ccfee9f74bba47748ee48a45c2459dde05) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/930A3FD9-CDE4-4EAC-B977-D1E060C4548E_zpszsnlav1v.jpg.html)

In terms of colour scheme, I was thinking something along the lines of this,

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2FDD829CED-070F-4365-9CFB-FDD7B2C6BC36_zps02ktr46m.jpg&hash=a965136e618b3c6ae1a5599d7d3d16fce1fbf683) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DD829CED-070F-4365-9CFB-FDD7B2C6BC36_zps02ktr46m.jpg.html)

Thoughts and knowledge are welcome  :lol:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: Captain Canada on November 06, 2016, 09:40:40 AM
Nice idea. Love the sketch. Looks like a whole new fish in that one ! Very lumpy and bumpy. Would look great in hemp  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 06, 2016, 09:46:25 AM
Hahahaha, it's too modern for hemp  ;)
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: 63cpe on November 06, 2016, 10:02:33 AM
Yeah, love the sketch! Go for it! The vacuformed U-2 would be a challange by itself, but that's just lazy-me....

I guess you need Harpoon missiles for it. I think I got them (left-overs from S-3 Vikings). How many do you need?

David

Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: PR19_Kit on November 06, 2016, 10:56:45 AM
Terrific idea.  :thumbsup:

You may need longer wings though..............  ;D
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 06, 2016, 11:11:03 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on November 06, 2016, 10:56:45 AM
Terrific idea.  :thumbsup:

You may need longer wings though..............  ;D

Why thank you  :rolleyes: and the wings will be lengthened slightly with a few alterations, but probably no where near long enough for your standards  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 06, 2016, 11:13:00 AM
So what's everyone's opinions on whether to have internal or external weapons then?  ;D
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: 63cpe on November 06, 2016, 11:29:28 AM
All external (F***K radar reflections)!
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 06, 2016, 12:06:24 PM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on November 06, 2016, 10:56:45 AM
Terrific idea.  :thumbsup:

You may need longer wings though..............  ;D

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAGthMzV.jpg&hash=4be095541dd89f881af25fc403bbe06a3396531e)
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 06, 2016, 12:08:15 PM
Looking good there! Working on an armed U2 myself but in 1/48 and uhh.. not vacuform!   :thumbsup:  You have your work...  cut out for you.   (rimshot)


As I said in the other thread.. if I can get there quick enough I'll try to join you with my own vacuform plane and we can compare notes, etc.

:mellow:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: McColm on November 06, 2016, 02:11:26 PM
That sketch looks a bit Buccaneerish to me, great idea.
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: kerick on November 06, 2016, 05:22:59 PM
External weapons equals lots of drag cutting into range, altitude and loiter time. Up to you, couple of missiles might look good.
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: Old Wombat on November 06, 2016, 06:11:42 PM
The U2's fuselage wasn't very spacious, so, even with the bulged belly you've given it, the best you could do is 2, maybe 4, semi-recessed Harpoons rather than an internal weapons bay. Although you may have enough internal room for a limited number of sono-bouys.

Also, if drag is an issue, you might want to consider sensor pods that fit flush with the wing, & maybe projecting forward of it, instead of dangling from pylons.

:unsure:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: rickshaw on November 06, 2016, 07:07:22 PM
I agree with Old Wombat.  The U-2's fuselage was pretty well packed with fuel and sensors.   Most of their flights were spent gliding, with the engines idling.  I'd give it a bulged weapons bay and two sensor/weapons pods on the wings, TR-2 like.
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: zenrat on November 06, 2016, 11:27:09 PM
Id say external weapons unless you can't find enough or can't be bothered to paint them all in which case scribe some doors and call them internal. ;D
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 07, 2016, 08:57:10 AM
So the general consensus is that there should be external weapons?
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 07, 2016, 12:03:41 PM
Presenting the BAe Albatross MR.5b with revised weapon placement.....

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F5175DDF9-E7C3-49DF-ABF8-DEE7063CB1F0_zpsuoj7h6kr.jpg&hash=3d5acaf137f5b861c59efe4fc2c13f747750d997) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5175DDF9-E7C3-49DF-ABF8-DEE7063CB1F0_zpsuoj7h6kr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 07, 2016, 01:37:24 PM
 :mellow: :mellow: :mellow:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: Captain Canada on November 07, 2016, 01:46:47 PM
Looks good either way to me !  :wacko:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: kerick on November 07, 2016, 05:45:18 PM
Build it!!
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 07, 2016, 06:25:37 PM
Quote from: kerick on November 07, 2016, 05:45:18 PM
Build it!!

I concur!!  Clear for take off!   :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 07, 2016, 11:15:29 PM
Haha, thanks guys  :thumbsup: just waiting on some tools to arrive before I can start work, also want to get my beaufloater finished this year too so I think that might take priority over this  :lol:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: PR19_Kit on November 08, 2016, 01:06:29 AM
Who moulded the vacform U-2 in the first place? It looks a bit like Rareplanes from the style and positioning of the bits on the sheet.
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 08, 2016, 09:20:35 AM
Correct  <_< it's almost like you know everything to do with any form of U2 out there  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: PR19_Kit on November 08, 2016, 09:22:28 AM
Quote from: RAFF-35 on November 08, 2016, 09:20:35 AM

Correct  <_< it's almost like you know everything to do with any form of U2 out there  :thumbsup:


Nah, only the long winged ones.  ;D ;)
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: RAFF-35 on November 12, 2016, 12:45:34 PM
I'm not entirely sure how to transfer topics, but this idea is (hopefully) becoming reality quite quickly.
I'm finally getting stuck in to my vacform kit... all bits cut (and snapped) out, currently midway through the dreaded sanding.... two fingers of my right hand have remained in tact  :-\

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah227%2Fguydavies08%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2FB1564CCF-2614-41E5-9F59-BBBBC6963472_zpsbadglb76.jpg&hash=63aa1cb630013251a9938166b1ea5df13d694613) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/guydavies08/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B1564CCF-2614-41E5-9F59-BBBBC6963472_zpsbadglb76.jpg.html)
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 12, 2016, 01:41:30 PM
Shouldn't be bad on the smaller pieces but sanding those long ones is going to be sketchy.  Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound now!!!   :lol: :lol: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: kerick on November 12, 2016, 09:21:02 PM
Looking forward to this one!
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: PR19_Kit on November 13, 2016, 02:44:30 PM
Aeroclub used to sell a tricky set of bits and pieces to help sanding down the edges of vacform bits.

It was two lengths of aluminium T-bar, long one around 6-7" and a short one maybe 1.5" long, and some double-sided tape that you stuck on the flat side of the T-bar and then stuck the vacform bits to it. The angle helped keep the vacform bits in line stopped you sanding away the middle bit more than the end.

I've still got mine and still use it, but it's not sold any more, but should be simple to make yourself I guess. I have a vague idea it was called a 'T-Al' or something similar, anyone else remember it?
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: TheChronicOne on November 13, 2016, 03:51:32 PM
Hit the link to see you and other talking about this... at... I guess what was the old site or some such?!?!  ARchives?


http://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=37342.10;wap2


I just glanced at the stuff being talked about but it might strike a chord?  Same subject and I saw mention of T-bars.
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: PR19_Kit on November 13, 2016, 04:15:13 PM
I'd forgotten all about that!  :o

But it was three years ago.  ;D

That stuff at the bottom that NARSES2 printed off is WELL worth saving, as John Adams (Mr Aeroclub) knows more about vacforms than I know about servo-hydraulics, and that's saying something!
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: The Rat on January 12, 2017, 10:42:33 AM
I'm loving this idea. Imagine being a fighter pilot, and feeling that you're not only safe at 60,000 feet, but that you also have someone flying top-cover for you!  ;D
Title: Re: BAe Albatross MR.5
Post by: kerick on January 12, 2017, 02:59:56 PM
With all those sensors you need HAL 9000 or a second seat for Mr Spock!