Drones, The New Generation

[MichelC]

Thank you guys but in all honesty there wasn't too much fiddly stuff on this one. It was a rather fun little build without much hassle. You'll notice I'm talking about it the past tense. That's cos it's virtually finished. Final pics coming soon!

M

[MichelC]

Let me introduce you to this new product from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems with an article published in the April issue of Jane's Defense Weekly entitled:  

Drones, The New Generation

"During the nineties, while fielding their MQ-1 Predator, General Atomics initiated work, under a cloak of utter secrecy, on a much more advanced UCAV design. After close to twenty years in development, the prototype was unveiled two days ago, stunning observers and shocking the competition. Integrating such advanced technologies as anti-gravity lift and ion propulsion with a sophisticated flight control system using thrust vectoring, differential lift and air-brakes, the UCAV is a highly maneuverable, fully autonomous gun platform with full hover and extreme skid capability. The company claims that the drone can fire not only the turret gun but also its fixed cannon at virtually any angle to the line of flight and hit targets with computer-controlled precision while itself remaining extremely hard to hit, making it, in the words of the spokesperson "the ultimate gunship." Standing in sharp contrast with these technical innovations, its armament is comprised of two of the oldest items in the US arsenal: the M61 Vulcan and the M2 Browning, which could almost be qualified as an anachronism. However, judging from the absence of a cartridge ejection port for the Vulcan and other hints, there is good reason to believe that the cannon is a dummy installed for demonstration purposes only and that the production series will come with weaponry of a much more exotic nature, perhaps still in development, such as excimer laser cannon. But even as is the drone unquestionably sets a new standard for the industry. Comparing it to its ancestor the MQ-1, with whom it shares a common airframe but little else, makes the latter at once seem antiquated. But then its very name 'Predator,' with its double meaning only now becoming apparent, points to the fact that it wasn't ever meant to be anything else than a stepping stone in the developmental line, predating the attainment of what had been the company's true objective from the very beginning!"
 
So there you have it. The ground breaking new drone from GA!





































Thanks to all who followed me through this build. And a special thanks to my friend Chris whose idea this was originally and who so graciously let me steal it!

M

[Old Wombat]

Very Ma.K!

Looks like a predecessor of Kow's designs.

Love the use of the black cat decal from the original Hasegawa 1/20th Pkf.85 Falke!

[NARSES2]

That is wonderfull 

[Hobbes]

Very imaginative, and excellent execution 

[MichelC]

Thank you guys! 

Old Wombat, I'm glad the MaK style came through. That's what I was shooting for while staying within the limits of a plausible 21st century drone design. The black cat decal comes for the Hasegawa Falke kit indeed, which is in 1/20 scale: it's the pilot's uniform shoulder insignia! 

M

[MichelC]

That was nice!

M

[PR19_Kit]

Oh YES! Well done indeed.

The plaque is bigger than the model! 

[zenrat]

Well done.

I've had this on my fridge forever (hence the condition).  This seems like an appropriate place to post it.

[NARSES2]

What the heck beat it ? 

Love the cartoon 

[kerick]

Where to hang the Hellfire missiles?
Just kidding! Awesome work!

[MichelC]

Thank you guys! 

Cute cartoon!

Narses2, nothing beat it, there was no Gold, no other award in my category actually (airplanes, conversions) only my silver. OK, yes, I am proud! 

M

[NARSES2]

Narses2, nothing beat it, there was no Gold, no other award in my category actually (airplanes, conversions) only my silver. OK, yes, I am proud!  

M

Ah, right I understand  

[zenrat]

Was it one of those judging arrangements where everyone starts with 100 points (for example) and they knock some off for each "flaw"? 
Gold, Silver and Bronze being allocated according to the number of points you have left (for example Gold = 95 to 100, Silver = 85 to 95 and Bronze 50 to 85 ).

[MichelC]

Yes, that's right. The system used by the IPMS Hellas is: 70 or above bronze, 80 silver and 90 gold. Personally, I like it a lot cos everyone can win. With this system, even a simple, non-assuming model, which would never make first place can still win a gold if it it is executed with excellent modeling skill. The system encourages excellency rather than competition.

Of course there is still a best in each category, planes, ships, etc. and a best of show.

As a general comment on the show, I saw less golds than previous years, especially in the planes and armor categories. On the other hand there was a an increase in both quantity and quality in the Sci-Fi department. Interesting...

BTW, if anyone's interested to see pics of the show, let me know.

M