Thanks for the positive reply
.
The turbo-compound engines are just a idea right now. I do know that the maintenance would be high, compared to jet engines or normal piston engines, but they do offer the highest efficiency of any aircraft engine, and that might make it worth the extra maintenance. As time goes on, better materials, maintenance practices, and technology could make this a viable powerplant.
The retractable probe is a good idea, and I did consider that. The only problem with that is the line of sight from the cockpit. I tried to position the probes so that the pilot can see exactly where the drouge is in relation to it. The only sensible place to put a retractable probe is on top of the fuselage, and on the earlier models (with the bubble canopy) it just isn't possible. On the later models it would work, but the probe would not be visible from the cockpit, and the pilot would have to have a good perception of distance to tell how close he is to making contact.
At first, I was going to have retractable turrets much like the B-36. Originally it was going to be 4 turrets on top (2 front, 2 rear), and 2 on bottom (rear), but after I modified the fuselage to prevent tailstrikes, I lost the position of the bottom turrets. I was thinking to completly ignore the B-36 design, and just have remote turrets that do not retract (like on the B-29) but I do not know if the drag woud be too much.
As for the tail gun, it will always be on the aircraft. I may eventually convert it to a remote operated turret, and use the empty space to add some electronic countermeasures equipment.
I am thinking about fielding ALBMs, but my problem is the mounting. I know that I have enough space to mount the Missiles, I know that with larger missles on bombers they are usually dropped and once they have reached a safe distance from the aicraft, the engines fire and they go to their intended target. I'm curious as how the missle will react to prop wash as they are released from the pylon. If anyone has any insight on this that would be great.
Thanks for your feedback!
-EZ-
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Salide -
Denton -
The Interrealms
I am not very active on the forums anymore, but work is still being done on my AUs. Visit the
Salidan Altiverse Page on the SB Wiki for more information. All current work is being done on Google Docs.
If anyone wishes for their nations to interact with the countries of the Salidan Altiverse, please send me a PM, after which we can further discuss through email.