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Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer (WIP)

It's hard to argue the F5D being an unattractive plane - 'guess I'm biased towards deltas. Agree that from the WIPs, Rob's textures look pretty sweet.

Paint-scheme-wise, while it's expected that "Neil Armstrong" paint scheme would feature prominently, I'm impressed with the lesser known evaluation schemes appear to be featured too - thanks Rob!! The 4 airframes wore some smart schemes ... here's an early NACA scheme:

f5d1_01.jpg

then shortly became NASA ...

http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/images/362775main_E-6475_full.jpg



Given the very short evaluation period of the plane (it was cancelled as an operational option I believe around 1958/59, bowing out to the already-chosen F-8) - it at least had a useful testbed / evaluation life (until mid-1970). Sparrow I was captive carried (not sure about actually launched, though) and as shown in Rob's first set, the internal bay carried either the 6 x Zunis or 72 x Mighty Mouse rockets. I think the Sidewinder was also trialed (not sure about fired), and I've only seen bombs mounted in drawings, not actually mounted. But for the purpose of "what if" - It's cool that Rob appears to be modeling all the options.

Some other interesting tidbits ... here's a rare shot of a nose camera installation - not for reconnaissance per se, but I believe for A2A filming of test aircraft (flew chase for at least a few X-15 launches, so possibly in support of that programme).


E61-7288.jpg


With it's DFRC connections to both the X-20 and the lifting-body programme in general, it's place in the ancestry in such craft as the Space Shuttle is well deserved. Rob's labours on this will no doubt be a fitting tribute.

dl
 
Yeah, I've been going over the Dyna-Soar approach tests performed by the Skylancer to fly when Rob is finished. I check his site every day to see if we're there yet. ;)
 
I have to say that I think the Skylancer is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.
I do love a delta.
I'm in the process of TacPacking the model with ZUNI's, Sparrows and mk-82s
But as I only have the P3D version of TacPack it's just for that sim at the moment.

RobR
 
robcarrich said:
I have to say that I think the Skylancer is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.
I do love a delta.
I'm in the process of TacPacking the model with ZUNI's, Sparrows and mk-82s
But as I only have the P3D version of TacPack it's just for that sim at the moment.

RobR
Click to expand...

Awesome news Rob !

Hank
 
Great news indeed.

I always suspected your proclivities for deltas (the F-106 came straight out of nowhere, as did this ...) ... now I understand! :very_drunk:

Rick's XF-92A idea is interesting - makes one wish for a back-dated KEDW set in the '50s ...

The AS/V F4D Skyray gets very regular flying time with me, despite its age (actually, I'm pretty happy with the model, it's the VC that's a bit old), so if you're ever inclined to one of those, I'm sure it'll be a hit. So too, would an X-24B - a delta (of sorts!) with no weapons to TacPac ...:adoration:

Anyway - looking forward to the F5D - stuff of dreams, for sure!

dl
 
So your a fan of delta's? I have some nice engineering drawings with cross sections of the F-108. I know it wasn't built, but I've always liked it and won't be getting around to modeling it anytime soon. Just saying.

Thanks for all of your work Rob. I still regularly fly the wings off of the Vampires/Venoms and Meteors. Well, everything you've modeled, but those in particular.:)
 
F-108 - that would be a cool subject! Man, did North American know how to design nice planes: FJ4/4 Fury, - A-5 Vigilante - before they got the humpback, XB-70 Valkyrie ...

Hey, in the "let' see if we can really annoy Rob with ideas" race - there's always the CF-105 Avro Arrow ... :running:

... better run before I get clobbered ...


Back to the topic on hand, another picture of the "ugly bird" .... :a1310:


11779L-1.jpg

dl
 
The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR
 
robcarrich said:
The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR
Click to expand...
Yep, and really, even after all the years spent in the Air Force, I'd never heard of this current model. If it wasn't in the Air Force inventory as an active aircraft, I wasn't concerned or even interested in what test bed aircraft were being worked on. For those who find that interesting. . .who am I to question it, but on average I think most would be far more interested in the more well known/recognized Military Aircraft. As a freeware developer Rob you have the latitude to delve into aircraft like this and obviously there is a segment of the simming community that are stoked to see it being built but as you mention, there's a limit to just how far you can go with "unknown" aircraft before you're on the short end of the stick. lol.
 
robcarrich said:
The trouble with modelling aircraft like the Skylancer and others mentioned above is that they may not be familiar to many people but those that are familiar with them know everything there is to know about them making it a risky business for me!

RobR
Click to expand...

Rob, your work with lesser-known types, just like that of Tim Conrad, Craig Richardson, Lionheart's etc. - bring to life models with interesting, unique history. For those who either have, or wish to expand, their historical aeronautical understanding, they are a fabulous gift. For those happy to stay mainstream, they are blessed with umpteen variations of C152s, F-16s, and P-51s from the developers thus inclined. It's win-win. Obviously, you'll take on whatever projects you desire - but if you're considering some of these (or other) lesser known types, please don't worry about what we may or may not know about them.

For my part, I'm by no means an expert on the Cold War test/evaluation aircraft. Yes, it's my primary area of flight sim interest, and have collected many books and reference material over the years on the operations at DFRC, and certain of the test programmes (X-15, and lifting bodies in particular). Have visited Dryden Flight Research Centre a number of times, and taken some photos - but nothing "professional" or "industry-grade" per se.

If it's a type I know, and am passionate about, I'll usually offer help or insight/observations. It's never meant to second guess, much less criticize your work. Only meant to help. Indeed, I'd happily trade all my "historical knowledge" for a pound of your modeling talent.

Anyway - your other projects have been awesome - and very well received. I see this one being no different.

dl
 
Rob was VERY kind and offered me a chance to fly/test it. It's still WIP, but it's already simply stunning.

I'll post some shots in a day or so.

I think he's a bit busy now, but he'll will advise of further progress when he gets there.

thanks,

dl
 
Hello All,
Thanks for the interest in the Skylancer.
Flightsim work, for me, has had to be put on hold for the time being as my wife has just undergone eye surgery.
A while back she had a serious fall and was knocked out and although she had a head scan at the time it was not until much later that a Macular tear was picked up.
The surgical procedure was long and complicated as is the convalescence and, as you can imagine, my mind is on this.
On a brighter note at least my cooking is improving....well, I think it is.
I still manage a quick look in on SOH most days though.

Regards
RobR
 
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