lakeroadster
When in doubt... build hell-for-stout!
The first flight of a Marine XQ-58 took place on October 3 2023. The XQ-58 is a completely runway-independent design that uses a rocket-assisted takeoff method via a static ground-based launcher. With its 30-foot overall length and 27-foot wingspan, has a maximum range of around 3,000 miles and a maximum launch weight of 6,500 pounds (including up to 600 pounds in its internal payload bay and/or another 600 pounds under the wings). It has a subsonic cruising speed of Mach 0.72 and can hit an absolute top speed of around Mach 0.85.
The plan is to build a semi-scale version of the XQ-58. It features 29 mm power and front eject parachute.
The body on this drone is anything but round. I plan to make a center core using standard body tube sizes, attach fins to that core, and then build the outer fuselage around that core.
I created an Open Rocket simulation, which of course is only a start. You can see the core, and how the fins attach to it. I added a pair of dorsal fins which I may not use.
The simulation is rather crude, but shows that the drone should be stable.
The plan is to build a semi-scale version of the XQ-58. It features 29 mm power and front eject parachute.
The body on this drone is anything but round. I plan to make a center core using standard body tube sizes, attach fins to that core, and then build the outer fuselage around that core.
I created an Open Rocket simulation, which of course is only a start. You can see the core, and how the fins attach to it. I added a pair of dorsal fins which I may not use.
The simulation is rather crude, but shows that the drone should be stable.
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