Tiltrotor Gunship (Bell Evolution)

[Spino]

Some time ago I stumbled across a Bell proposal for a tiltrotor gunship and decided to have a go at 3D printing something like it.  Was going for something more modern than this, so the dorsal optics got replaced with a Longbow radar on a retractable mast, and the AGM-65 bay got replaced with external hardpoints for AGM-179s and APKWS.

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I got it modeled up (mostly), and printed the fuselage, wings, horizontal tail, and engines before I got busy with other things.  So for close to a year this thing has been a shelf queen.  Figured it was time I finished it.  So without further ado, I present the AV-25E Privateer, designation and name totally made up, current state (nearly complete, needs some extra bits, side windows for the canopy, and a paintjob.

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Armament currently consists of two AGM-179s, fourteen APKWS, and a 30mm M230 chain gun.  Still need to add nose sensors similar to an AH-1Z/AH-64, finish PSR'ing the countermeasure dispensers into the sides of the fuselage, and of course paint and markings.  Probably going to be a USMC bird.

[McColm]

Well done 

[Wardukw]

Looking great matey 👍 😄

[buzzbomb]

That is a neat print 

[PR19_Kit]

An intriguing design and a good looking model too. 

[George the Cat]

Neat. 

[chrisonord]

I am liking this, would you consider duplicating it?

[Spino]

I am liking this, would you consider duplicating it?

Duplicating it?  One isn't enough? 

Actually I was considering doing one more like the original Bell concept after I get finished with this one.  I sometimes upload my 3D files to Thingiverse as well, that's where my missile models are along with a few other things.  I have not uploaded the 3D files for this yet because the overall look of this thing has been morphing as it goes, but as soon as it's finalized I probably will.

Here's the link to my other stuff if you're interested: https://www.thingiverse.com/spinoee/designs

[frank2056]

It looks great! Are you going to use flat clear sheets for the canopy?

I have some Plysmooth clear that can be smoothed with isopropyl. I haven't tried printing a canopy yet, but when I did use it, it was pretty easy to smooth.

[HarryPhishnuts]

That's cool.   

What software are you using for to create the 3D models?

[Spino]

It looks great! Are you going to use flat clear sheets for the canopy?

I have some Plysmooth clear that can be smoothed with isopropyl. I haven't tried printing a canopy yet, but when I did use it, it was pretty easy to smooth.

Yes, I'm a bit of a plastic hoarder so I had plenty of transparent flat plastic sheets laying around 

That's cool.   

What software are you using for to create the 3D models?

I use SolidWorks for all my modeling, mostly because I was trained to use it and I still have the student version of it.

[kerick]

One of the issues with the Osprey was it was so much faster than the escort choppers that they had to launch way earlier than the Ospreys. It was very useful to have USAF A-10s in the mix.

[chrisonord]

I am liking this, would you consider duplicating it?

Duplicating it?  One isn't enough? 

Actually I was considering doing one more like the original Bell concept after I get finished with this one.  I sometimes upload my 3D files to Thingiverse as well, that's where my missile models are along with a few other things.  I have not uploaded the 3D files for this yet because the overall look of this thing has been morphing as it goes, but as soon as it's finalized I probably will.

Here's the link to my other stuff if you're interested: https://www.thingiverse.com/spinoee/designs

Brilliant stuff, I shall wait and see how this evolves. I don't have a 3D printer, and don't at the momrnt havr the room either, so eould need someone else to print it for me. Cheers.