The wombat from thunderbirds

[ex-navy]

In the old thunderbirds  series  the episode  labeled "the duchess assignment " they had a carrier aircraft labelled "the wombat".  So the concept was you had large flat cargo aircraft  and then a VTOL Aircraft (fighter). Would land/dock after the mission. Thus having a mobile  system that could support  and deliver  fighters  to any area
Your  thoughts?

[zenrat]

Any pics or links?

[dadlamassu]

[zenrat]

Thanks dad.  I've seem all the Thunderbirds episodes a few times but I don't remember that.
Looks like the transport aircraft is the VTOL unit.
The fighter would've to be clamped on until it was time to launch.
It would solve the EE Lightnings fuel problem.  You could have a fleet of these on standing patrol ready to fly off Lightnings when a Bear approached.

[sandiego89]

I like the looks and concept of it.  Great for sci-fi, but those small lift fans would have never been able to provide the lift required. 

Also something that would allow the pilot of the fighter to get out would be even better.   

[Runway ? ...]

That wrung a bell.
First reference I could find.

Something equally British.

[Weaver]

The flat body and raised cockpit reminds in style, if not function, of the Lockheed flatbed freighter proposal:



Full thread about it on Secret Projects here: http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1742.30

[PR19_Kit]

Isn't that Shorts VTOL proposal to get one of the TSR2 competitors airborne in minimal space?

[Runway ? ...]

That's the kitty  (was struggling for a name) Short PD.17.
Your basic platform to get your fast jet from parked up to flying speed from a clearing about its own size.
Pic stolen from itv news.
http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/219705/article_update_2393a2e47445e218_1371382263_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg

It occurs to me that Derek Meddings may have been aware of it.

[PR19_Kit]

That's the kitty  (was struggling for a name) Short PD.17.

Notable for its FIFTY SIX engines, twelve of which swivelled (a bit....) and eight pointed backwards, but even they could tilt down to give it a bit more upwards boost.

The throttle pedestal would have been a thing of wonder! 

[Gondor]

Those pictures remind me of the Carrier aircraft for the Space shuttle in UFO

Gondor

[Weaver]

That's the kitty  (was struggling for a name) Short PD.17.

Notable for its FIFTY SIX engines, twelve of which swivelled (a bit....) and eight pointed backwards, but even they could tilt down to give it a bit more upwards boost.

The throttle pedestal would have been a thing of wonder! 

As would the maintenance schedule: I'm thinking family bible.....

[Captain Canada]

Great idea. I have never seen either of those, but they make sense for sure. And are super cool !