TOP SECRET Aurora Hypersonic aircraft.

seadude · October 03, 2015, 08:41:47 PM

Another project that I am currently working on right now is a diorama showcasing the "supposed" Aurora hypersonic aircraft that may or may not be in actual US Air Force service. I've got 3-4 different models to be built for this display:
Anigrand Craftswork SR-75 Penetrator
http://www.anigrand.com/AA4095_SR-75.htm
Anigrand Craftswork SR-91 Aurora
http://www.anigrand.com/AA4091_SR-91.htm
Fantastic Plastic SR-72
http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/lockheed-sr-72---catalog.html
.........and I just recently purchased on ebay today the old Testor 1/72 XR-7 Thunder Dart model kit.

All models are fictional designs of what an Aurora hypersonic craft could or might be. They'll be placed on a 24" x 24" inch display base and I'll have 1-2 papers next to the display describing the history of Project Aurora as well as the models.

Pics of the start of this whole project to come tomorrow.

One note though: I want to include the SR-71 Blackbird in the diorama display for the following quoted reason. Should I or not?

QuoteAlthough not an "Aurora" design, the SR-71 Blackbird has been displayed with the other Aurora models as most or all Aurora designs and concepts were for a supposed follow-on replacement to the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The SR-71 was the fastest (Mach 3+) and highest flying (80,000+ feet) powered aircraft developed by Lockheed and used by the U.S. Air Force, and this is what the Aurora is or was trying to emulate. Therefore, I think it is only fair to include the SR-71 as part of the display to show some sort of evolution or lineage so to speak, i.e. – the SR-71 being a protégé/precursor of sorts to the Aurora.

seadude · October 04, 2015, 06:43:03 AM

A few sample pics to get this thread started.

They show the kits that I bought and will be building. The SR-75 Penetrator on the far right is what I am currently working on.

PR19_Kit · October 04, 2015, 08:19:57 AM

LOTS of tri-angular shaped pointy things, I LOVE it!

eatthis · October 04, 2015, 02:26:27 PM

i had no idea these kits even existed! this is definately being followed

i have a 72 scale thunderdart in the stash and its a big bugger (similer to concorde)

seadude · October 04, 2015, 05:18:32 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 04, 2015, 08:19:57 AM
LOTS of tri-angular shaped pointy things, I LOVE it!

Hopefully I won't poke myself with them.

Though if I ever run into building problems with one, I can always use it for dartboard practice.

But anyway, if you think the aircraft are cool looking, then wait until I make the display base. Hehehe.

seadude · October 05, 2015, 05:22:10 PM

Could use some opinions on the following:

1. Paint all the Aurora models black or only a few? I was thinking of painting the SR-75 Penetrator in this scheme:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pgmxuPRFcLs/TBZ4ie86Z9I/AAAAAAAADvM/bmV_VwmaxHw/s1600/P1030630.JPG
or this.........
http://orig13.deviantart.net/b3e5/f/2009/155/a/5/sr_75_penetrator_by_bagera3005.png

Any other color suggestions?

2. Any opinions to what I quoted here? Add the Blackbird to the display or not?

QuoteAlthough not an "Aurora" design, the SR-71 Blackbird has been displayed with the other Aurora models as most or all Aurora designs and concepts were for a supposed follow-on replacement to the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The SR-71 was the fastest (Mach 3+) and highest flying (80,000+ feet) powered aircraft developed by Lockheed and used by the U.S. Air Force, and this is what the Aurora is or was trying to emulate. Therefore, I think it is only fair to include the SR-71 as part of the display to show some sort of evolution or lineage so to speak, i.e. – the SR-71 being a protégé/precursor of sorts to the Aurora.

eatthis · October 06, 2015, 01:27:24 AM

silver would mix it up a bit but its entirely upto you fella.
as for the sr71, absolutely yes it shows the lineage

Captain Canada · October 06, 2015, 06:03:36 AM

Wow Seadude that's a gorgeous collection of whiffery ! Love the shapes and potential there !

KiwiZac · October 06, 2015, 03:18:19 PM

Ooooh, I remember getting super excited when Lockheed unveiled the SR-72. This will be great!

I had the Italeri boxing of the SR-75 and XR-7....but the thing was just too big! I on-sold it and, yes, regret it to this day.

seadude · October 06, 2015, 06:29:06 PM

The XR-7 Thunder Dart I purchased on Ebay 2 days ago has shipped!

I should have it on or before next week Monday.

@KiwiZak: I still have the 1/72 Testor SR-75 Penetrator kit. But mine will be built into a B-3 stealth hypersonic bomber whif...........sometime. I'm not sure when.

Tophe · October 06, 2015, 09:10:32 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 04, 2015, 08:19:57 AM
I LOVE it!

So do I!

or... are they bombers to kill cities? not just recon aircraft? $:-\$

seadude · October 07, 2015, 07:34:13 AM

Quoteor... are they bombers to kill cities? not just recon aircraft?

Most sources that I've read over the last 20+ years have mentioned that Aurora is supposed to be a recon replacement for the retired SR-71 Blackbird. But since no official disclosure or actual photographs have come out about a real Aurora craft, then it's pure speculation as to what Aurora could look like or what it's actual function is.
Take your pick. It's either:
a) A new recon aircraft to replace the SR-71 Blackbird.
b) A new fast high flying strike bomber.
c) A fast and high flying single stage to orbit craft to loft small payloads into low earth orbit.
d) A technology demonstrator aircraft only to test new aerodynamics, propulsion systems, etc.
e) Some of the above?
f) All of the above?
g) Something else?
h) Manned or unmanned aircraft?

seadude · October 09, 2015, 09:10:59 AM

Just picked up the Testor 1/72 Thunder Dart from the Post Office this morning.

I almost forgot how big this model was, even in 1/72 scale.

When I compared the XR-7 main body parts to the 1/144 scale SR-75 Penetrator, the XR-7 was about the same length and width as the SR-75! I hate having mixed scales on my diorama, but what can I do? Gotta go with what I have I guess. Probably won't have this diorama finished in time for a Halloween model contest, but may make it instead for a November contest.
As for this thread here:
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,41212.0.html
..........I think I have the colors figured out for painting the landing gear on two of my Aurora models. After careful study of some color photos of SR-71 Blackbird landing gear, I'm going to go with the following:
Nose gear tires: Black
Nose gear wheel hubs: Black or Dark Grey
Nose gear struts: Black or Gunmetal, but appears more a gunmetal color.
Nose gear bay: Most likely Silver.
Main gear tires: Aluminum
Main gear wheel hubs: Black
Main gear struts: Gunmetal
Main gear bays: Silver

eatthis · October 09, 2015, 02:06:51 PM

put the thunderdart at the front and pretend all the others are just really far away

silverwindblade · October 10, 2015, 04:02:16 AM

I remember seeing numerous images of the 'SR-91' style Aurora throughout the '90's and even seeing a made-for-TV/direct to video movie with the aircraft in. It also appeared in a few video games and movies during the '90's as well, and I've always pictured that as the 'true' Aurora in my head. Didn't realize there were any kits of it though.
I'll be following this with interest to see how they all go together. I love the shapes and styles of the aircraft, and I'm looking forward to the finished display.
I also second the idea of the silver paint-scheme too - it'll break up the uniform black a bit, and add a bit more visual interest to things.