[x]

Browse More Like This

More from ~jflaxman

View Gallery · View Prints

Featured in Groups:

#Sci-FiTech
Designs of Tomorrow !

#AlternativeHistory
History in the Making

#MindfulTriphammer

#THE-D-A-R-K-ARTS
Lovecraftian Nightmares

Details

Submitted: November 23, 2012
Image Size: 647 KB
Resolution: 2339×1654

Link

Thumb

Statistics

Comments: 52
Favourites: 108 [who?]
Views: 1,981 (7 today)
Downloads: 67 (0 today)

[x]

Tritonby ~jflaxman

Digital Art / Mixed Media / Sci-Fi

The survivalists of Whalebone Bay have reported large machines that seem part ship and part aeroplane flying just above the sea. Though initially treated with scepticism, consistencies in their accounts suggest the CMIC operates at least one Triton-class ekranoplane. These vehicles were designed to carry heavy payloads at high speeds; they can travel over marshland, ice and open water while avoiding submerged obstacles. It is not known if these positives will offset their high deployment costs.

Design Features:

- Stepped hull allows the Triton to land and float on any large body of water, eliminating the need for runways and reducing dangers posed by engine loss or fuel starvation.

- Fuselage can accommodate up to 20 tons of equipment or 200 passengers. The main cargo deck is wide and low to increase stability.

- Eight jet engines are mounted above and in front of the wings, which are proportionately smaller than those seen on an aeroplane; but they provide more lift due to jet thrust passing over them and increased air pressure under them. Maximum payload is increased at the cost of a slight reduction in speed.

- Low operating altitudes (a few metres above sea level) help the Triton avoid surface radar. The large pod on the tailfin houses surveillance, communication and jamming devices.

- While originally conceived as a high speed transport, the Triton can be refitted for marine rescue, extraction, long range patrol or fast strike roles. This example carries paired cannons in fore and aft gun turrets and four forward-firing missile tubes.

- Cabin is heavily insulated against engine noise, though this remains considerable. The standard crew consists of two pilots, a navigator and signaller. Additional flight engineers, gunners, observers, etc. can be carried if required.

- As ekranoplanes cannot bank as steeply as conventional aircraft their pilots require specialised training. This, combined with the Triton’s mass, necessitate slow rates of turn especially at higher speeds.

Footage of actual craft that work on these principles can be seen here: [link]

~~love 0 0~~

~~mad 0 0~~

~~fear 0 0~~

~ArmamentDawg Apr 21, 2013

It certainly looks like a plausible development of the Soviet Ekranoplan. However, I'd expect the missile launchers to be redesigned, reducing drag- maybe it'll help to make them retractable? I wonder if air-to-air missiles can be mounted on the tail- safe from sea spray and jet wash- considering the aircraft will be preyed upon by fighters in a war?

~jflaxman May 4, 2013

I based the armament on that of the MD-160 Lun [link] but moved the forward cannons to the nose. Given the size of the Lun there'd be room for tail armament, and locating it that high would give it a good fire arc.

The retractable missile tubes are another good idea that would increase speed and survivability. Another way to go might be internal tubes like those used on submarines.

~discotechnology Apr 6, 2013

Ekranoplane! While there might be airplane designs that are cooler, I can't think of any off the top of my head. Very cool!

*Hexidextrous Apr 2, 2013

Interesting. Looks like something I'd see in Strikers 1945 or Battle Garegga.

~jflaxman Apr 4, 2013

Your mention of Battle Garegga made my night! I loved those old games as a kid. A lot of my post-apocalyptic work draws on Irem and Nazca games (eg. In the Hunt, Undercover Cops, Metal Slug).

*Hexidextrous Apr 4, 2013

Why thank you. I always thought that WWII meets the future style is awesome. Its also part of the reason why I love the anime, Strike Witches, and Sky Crawlers too. I also enjoy Metal Slug, Battle Bakraid, Under Defeat, Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, and Ketsui Kizuna Jigoku Tachi for similar reasons. To me, it just looks so awesome to see ships that resemble some sort of WWII aircraft, but with futuristic features added in.