Northrop-Grumman MQ-13 "Dark Pringle"

JayBee · October 17, 2011, 08:18:15 AM

The MQ-13 was the successful winner of a 1990's USAF competition for a stealthy, attack, UCAV, under the project name "Dark Pringle". The winning design being produced by Northrop-Grumman using aerodynamic and stealth technologies developed for the Northrop YF-23.
So secret was this project that specific details such as date of the first flight, date of entry into service, and service usage, are extremely difficult to obtain. It is only the fact that these craft are now coming into the AFRES inventory that has made their very existence generally known.
Weapon loads are carried internally, and while various types can be carried the weapon of choice is the 250lb. GBU-29 JDAM. Based on the 250lb. Mk80 low drag bomb which had been taken out of production (due to the poor effectiveness of such a small explosives load, and which earned it the nickname of "Firecracker"), it was only the introduction of precision guidance systems that made this small bomb a viable asset. Two are carried by the MQ-13.

McColm · October 17, 2011, 08:35:21 AM

Great model,
Based on the YF-23?

JayBee · October 17, 2011, 08:55:21 AM

Yes. Trumpeter 1/144 scale.

Jim

Ed S · October 17, 2011, 11:28:12 AM

Nice one. That "scalearama'd" well. Makes a great display.

Ed

GTX · October 17, 2011, 12:16:23 PM

PR19_Kit · October 17, 2011, 12:22:49 PM

JayBee-ness to the fore, LOVE it!

pyro-manic · October 17, 2011, 05:19:18 PM

Ooh, I like that. Even if it is a UAV (hack, spit), being based on the Black Widow makes it gorgeous.

LemonJello · October 17, 2011, 05:56:41 PM

Nicely done with the YF-23. It really looks the part.

RussC · October 17, 2011, 10:03:13 PM

Quote from: Overkiller on October 17, 2011, 08:27:47 AM

Very Nice!

I like the fact you have made it tailless.

Duncan

Me 2 ! Nice idea in the concept of using parts or even whole planes outside the desired scale, in either direction. Thinking outside the box.

"Dark Pringle" ? sounds a bit like one of Santa's helpers....... although, .... It can probably drop a Hellfire down the chimney and fill the socks hung by the mantle with shrapnel.

MilitaryAircraft101 · October 17, 2011, 10:44:44 PM

Awesome!!

Really great

tc2324 · October 18, 2011, 03:37:24 AM

Thats top work.

McColm · October 18, 2011, 04:09:22 AM

Now I know what to do with my 1/72 YF-23.

Taiidantomcat · October 18, 2011, 08:00:30 AM

Brilliant!!

looks legit

Tojo633 · October 18, 2011, 12:26:35 PM

Jim
I hope we can expect to see that in the competition on Saturday?.
See you there.
Sandy

chrisonord · October 18, 2011, 03:09:09 PM

Very nice Jim, a propper stealth UCAV, for sure.

Chris.