USSF Reaper - Space Defense Drone

[SteelyEyed]

Cranked out this design today while I was waiting for the football games to start. Current version is 58 in long, 4 in. diameter with 54mm MMT, I'm not real happy with the nose cone, would like to do a custom 3D printed cone that looks more "stealthy." I welcome recommendations, especially since I don't own a 3D printer.

Steely

 

[Aeva]

I'm not real happy with the nose cone, would like to do a custom 3D printed cone that looks more "stealthy."

What if you made something more custom with a plane cockpit shape? Quick sketch of a concept stealth nosecone attached… I would mock it up as a 3d model but busy atm

Edit: tweaked the design and added the rendered concept.

 

[techrat]

If you want something more "stealthy" think SR-71 and put chines all around it including the nose cone. Those big rear fins will still do the job, and not be upset by essentially running two small thin fins all the way to the front of the rocket.

 

[NTP2]

I could do a model for you then you could have it printed if you want.

 

[Rschub]

I tried to get a stealthy looking cone, but I really had to lengthen it to make it look ok to me. It will have to be printed in 2 pieces.

This is a poor copy, its hard to work just from pictures. I did the scoop differently.

 

[SteelyEyed]

Not bad. I'm currently working on shorter, more faceted one. And playing with two other designs...

 

[Rschub]

How about more like this:

 

[SteelyEyed]

How about more like this:

View attachment 627098

That’s a great look for this project!

 

[Rschub]

I think you are right.


The second picture shows a cross section of the nose.

 

[SteelyEyed]

I like it, though could be sharper. Are those 3D files that can be printed? And scaled to different body tube sizes?

 

[rharshberger]

I like it, though could be sharper. Are those 3D files that can be printed? And scaled to different body tube sizes?

Those should be 3D printable as they are a reasonably simple shape.

 

[Rschub]

I can make it sharper and any size you like. This one fits LOC 4" tubing

 

[Rschub]

 

[Aeva]

View attachment 627163View attachment 627162

Obligatory: nailed it!!

 

[SteelyEyed]

I agree… appropriately stealthy and menacing.

Only other comment is, I would rotate the NC 45 degrees so the sharp edges up/down and L/R. Wish I had time to build this bad boy…

 

[Rschub]

I can do that easily in the model, I will also post the .stl file for those intrepid builders out there who want a pointy 4" nosecone.