Osiris class

[CELS]

Just to show off something I've been working on lately. I'd say it's about 50% finished. Still need to fix the nose, the cockpit, and of course I haven't really started on the wings, they're just crude mock-ups. It's a rather large shuttle, based on the lovely V-22 Osprey, one of my favourite aircraft. Though to be honest, I'm not sure if I'll end up keeping the tilt-jets or just use anti-grav engines for lift.

Feedback is welcome, but keep in mind that it's barely half-finished.

[Malika]

I really like those big engines on the wings, kind of remind me of the Aerial Hunter Killer from the Terminator films.

So what is the function of this Osiris class ship going to be? Landing craft? Transport?

[CELS]

Thanks, I'll keep the tilt-jets then. As for the function, it's just a multi-purpose non-military transport. Note the lack of weapons. So anything from ferrying passengers into orbit to supplying desolate mountain installations with a fresh supply of grox burgers.

[CELS]

An update with the latest additions. The shuttle is about 65% finished now, I guess. Still need to work on the wings, the cockpit, the interior and the nitty-gritty mechanical parts. And the nose....

This shuttle might be used for the Venturer, actually. I guess its design is somewhat intimidating for a non-military vehicle, but that's easily fixed with a fresh paintjob and some more decorative markings. It's still unarmed, and I plan to keep it that way.

[Herald of the Lost]

Thanks, I'll keep the tilt-jets then. As for the function, it's just a multi-purpose non-military transport. Note the lack of weapons. So anything from ferrying passengers into orbit to supplying desolate mountain installations with a fresh supply of grox burgers.

Grox burgers sound good right about now. 

I can't see the updates due to a filter here at my place of employment, but your originals are very nice.  It looks familiar, but not unoriginal.

[Pathfinder]

I love it mate, your have some skill on sketchup!

The only niggle i have is the engines, the size of them compared to the actual wing fixing, the engines would rip the wings off rather quickly, looking from a enginnering POV.

Other than that, brilliant work!

[CELS]

Grox burgers sound good right about now. 

Mmmm, tastes like chicken...

I can't see the updates due to a filter here at my place of employment, but your originals are very nice.  It looks familiar, but not unoriginal.

Thanks! I've attached some of the updates below, for your viewing pleasure.

I love it mate, your have some skill on sketchup!
The only niggle i have is the engines, the size of them compared to the actual wing fixing, the engines would rip the wings off rather quickly, looking from a enginnering POV.
Other than that, brilliant work!

Never under-estimate the strength of adamantium

Just kidding. Thanks for the feedback.  I must admit, I was worried about the engines myself. I was just using the V-22 as inspiration, and it has rather thin wings as well. But you feel that they should have more support where they're fixed to the hull itself? I might reduce the size of the tilting engines as well, but they're supposed to be turbo-fans, not fusion rockets, so it's not like the stress is going to be completely off the charts.

Are you an actual engineer by the way? <hopeful>

[Herald of the Lost]

It looks fantastic.  It also looks a tad on the compact side.  Especially considering how big and popular grox burgers are.

With the midsection of the ship shrunken slightly, it looks a little thin. More so if there is a large engine in the back. 

Of course, this would all be totally a misjudgment on my part if the twin cockpits fit more than a person each. 

[ikkaan]

I would also say that the engines are too big for those wings. Looks fragile. Not because of stress to the wings in-flight, just that it looks like the engines could drop off when it is parked on a landing pad.

Either make them a lot smaller or possibly only a tad smaller and the wings at half their length? If you feel unsure you could counter it with smaller thrusters on the back?

[CELS]

The rocket engines in the back can be seen in the blueprint image in my first post. They don't make up the whole bulk behind the middle section, there is quite a lot of room left in there for fuel and such. I'm not at all concerned that they're too big, compared to other Imperial aircraft and shuttles designed by GW. I'm not really concerned that the midsection is too slim either, though I might bulk it out just a little bit to be safe. I just wanted to explore a different design, and the great thing about sci-fi is that you can handwave an excuse for not making aircraft look like... well, modern, real aircraft.  I After toying with more conventional designs, which all ended up looking too bland, I wanted to move away from the normal tube-shaped body.

Like I always say about my aircraft designs - let's be honest, this thing wouldn't fly longer than I could throw it. No one has commented about the angle of the wings, but I'm pretty sure they're not terribly effective for providing lift. Most aircraft have wings angled downward, not upward. If I move too close to what is the best solution according to modern aviation theory however, I'll just end up with a clone of the V-22 Osprey.

But, based on your comments, I'll try reducing the length of the wings and the size of the engines. It still might not be realistic by modern standards, but at least it will be better.

[CELS]

Hmm, I think you guys were right. This looks much better. The engines are still large, but I've shrunk them 30% and made the wings 40% shorter. Granted, the wings won't have as much lift now, but.... well, that just means the engines will have to be that much more effective

Thank the Emperor for promethium.

[Herald of the Lost]

Fine looking ship you have there, CELS.  Is it intended for surface to surface transport or orbit-surface movement as well?

[Pathfinder]

Just kidding. Thanks for the feedback.  I must admit, I was worried about the engines myself. I was just using the V-22 as inspiration, and it has rather thin wings as well. But you feel that they should have more support where they're fixed to the hull itself? I might reduce the size of the tilting engines as well, but they're supposed to be turbo-fans, not fusion rockets, so it's not like the stress is going to be completely off the charts.

Are you an actual engineer by the way? <hopeful>

I think more support on the hull and on the end of the wing the engines are mounted on would be good.

I am not an enginner sadly, i just laugh at RAF ground crew when they can't fix things.

[Kage2020]

I love the concept.  I can imagine some of them on the Venturer, with wings swept back in storage.  That is so cool...

Kage

[CELS]

Fine looking ship you have there, CELS.  Is it intended for surface to surface transport or orbit-surface movement as well?

Thanks, Harald
It's primarily intended for atmospheric flight. It's capable of transatmospheric flight (moving into orbit and back), but as you can see from the shape of the craft, it's not specifically designed for that (otherwise it would have a more sleek profile). It's capable of space flight (like moving between space ships), but would be rather slow and clumsy compared to a dedicated space transport.

I think more support on the hull and on the end of the wing the engines are mounted on would be good.
I am not an enginner sadly, i just laugh at RAF ground crew when they can't fix things.

Well, that's good enough for me
I'll add some support where the wings are connected to the body, but looking at the V-22, it doesn't appear to be necessary to bulk up the wing tips .

I love the concept.  I can imagine some of them on the Venturer, with wings swept back in storage.  That is so cool...

Thanks. Not sure how the wings would sweep back though, due to the slim body of the Osiris. Seems easier to fold them, even though it won't be quite as space saving.