avatar_MartG

RA-5S Vigilante - the fastest Vigi ever ?

Started by MartG, March 05, 2009, 02:55:43 PM

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MartG

Just a taster for now - full pics ( including airlaunch mothership ) and backstory to follow tomorrow  ;D

Murphy's 1st Law - An object at rest will be in the wrong place
Murphy's 2nd Law - An object in motion will be going in the wrong direction
Murphy's 3rd Law - For every action, there is an equal and opposite malfunction


pyro-manic

Some of my models can be found on my Flickr album >>>HERE<<<

BlackOps

Jeff G.
Stumbling through life.

John Howling Mouse

Styrene in my blood and an impressive void in my cranium.

Ed S

That gives a whole new meaning to "hi speed" recce.

Looks good.

Ed
We don't just embrace insanity here.  We feel it up, french kiss it and then buy it a drink.

Cobra

Super Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looks Good as Posted!!!!!!!! Can't Wait for more!!!!!!! :mellow: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

sotoolslinger

I amuse me.
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MartG

OK, here we go....

Project Aurora RA-5S Vigilante

The ultimate recon Vigilante – the RA-5S orbital spaceplane. Air launched from a Mach 3 SR-75, optionally using a strap on booster, the RA-5S is capable of reaching a wide variety of orbits allowing it to perform a number of roles. Developed from earlier experience launching a modified X-15 from a B-70 ( on the workbench  :mellow: ), it's primary mission is to carry a package of recon equipment in it's cargo bay, located immediately aft of the 2 man cockpit, but the cargo bay can also be used to place small satellites into orbit.

On interception missions, where an EVA inspection of another spacecraft may be required, the cargo bay can also accommodate an EMU jet pack.

Powered by a variable cycle engine, during its initial boost phase it uses oxygen from the atmosphere, before switching over to its internal LOX supply and becoming a pure rocket. Following re-entry the engines can be relit to provide additional range. While in orbit and during re-entry the engine intakes are closed to prevent damage to the engines. A strap-on recoverable booster is often used to allow the RA-5S to reach a higher orbit, or to save fuel for orbital manoeuvring.

Due to the high speed of the launch aircraft, the only option for a chase plane during launch operations is a modified SR-71 Blackbird. Additionally most launches are accompanied by an F-12 Blackbird escort, especially where the launch takes place outside US airspace.

Airfix Vigilante, wings and engines from an Airfix Space Shuttle, Italeri SR-75 mothership














Murphy's 1st Law - An object at rest will be in the wrong place
Murphy's 2nd Law - An object in motion will be going in the wrong direction
Murphy's 3rd Law - For every action, there is an equal and opposite malfunction


Vulcan7

WOW that looks fantastic!! MartG truly magnificent work  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :tornado: :cheers:
"My grandad fought in WW1 and used to make Mosquito wings in WW2"

Green Dragon

Beaut Space Vigi Mart, very cool. :wub: :thumbsup:

Paul Harrison
"Well, it's rather brutal here. Right now we are advising all our clients to put everything they've got into canned food and shotguns."-Gremlins 2

On the bench.
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The Rat

I'm awestruck. That is one of the most incredible builds it has ever been my privilege to gaze upon.  :bow: :bow: :bow:
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Life is too short to worry about perfection

Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/46dpfdpr

lenny100

WOW....

Now that is a build

Hope you show it at a show one day
Me, I'm dishonest, and you can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest.
Honestly, it's the honest ones you have to watch out for!!!

Dork the kit slayer

Well Im really quite damp...........................................nice one mate. :thumbsup:
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tanktastic43