NorthAmericanAviation

Yes, I derped

September 1945: Northrop XP-79 The heavy bombers of World War II were an extremely effective tool in air-combat; well-armed, capable of destroying ground targets, and completely reusable after all is said and done. However, the Zeppelin company of Germany and the Northrop Company of the U.S. sought to create an unorthodox answer to the question of how do we down a heavy bomber? by creating flying rams. In theory, these lightly-armed, super fast ‘fighter’ aircraft would fly through a section of an enemy bomber and do massive damage, then return home unscathed. To accomplish this incredibly ambitious feat, designs of Northrop’s XP-79 consisted of a welded magnesium monocoque frame, two rocket engines, and a bubble canopy that the pilot would lie forward in to fit in the aircraft. While the XP-79B was never fitted with rocket engines, the MX-324, a program predecessor, was. It took to the air towed behind a P-38, making it the first U.S. rocket-powered aircraft to fly. Fortunately, the idea of a flying ram was abandoned by the end of the war. The XP-79B program itself, though, ended on the sour note of the death of test pilot Harry Crosby. This recreation, ironically, is completely stable, has good maneuverability, and can reach a top speed of 185 m/s with only two Junos. Download Link: https://kerbalx.com/NorthAmericanAviation/Northrop-XP-79 Tomorrows' Craft: @Munbro Kerman's Bell X-1

X-Plane of the Day The collaboration series is back, and this time, it's a nearly 12-week issue of virtually every American X-plane from the Wright 1903 Flyer to the X-37 reusable orbiter, with extras! If you are unfamiliar with ___-of-the-Day type series, @Servo's Jet-of-the-Day is the origin of this format Specifically, this thread showcases the KSP replicas of contributors who signed up here: Temporary: There are still a few open slots---If you want to take on an Aircraft/Spacecraft, keep your thread traffic in the OPEN SIGN-UP thread. ABOUT THE ARTICLES: if you would like to write an article for your craft, you can. If you go this route, (1)Send it to me (PM's), or (2) tell me (in whatever way is most convenient) that you would like to make the post; I don't wanna steal 'likes,' per se. Articles should follow a loose formula: include basic info and a data table of the actual craft, everything else is creator's discretion. Current Contributors: @dundun92 @KenjiKrafts, @MiffedStarfish, @Munbro Kerman, @NotAnAimbot, @NorthAmericanAviation, @qzgy, @Servo, @swjr-swis, @TheEpicSquared, @Triop, @Yukon0009 To start things off, we begin with the first flying heavier-than-air machine From @swjr-swis November 1903: Wright Model 1903 Flyer Using knowledge of Otto Lilienthal's studies in lift and Samuel Pierpont Langley's studies in thrust production, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright began experiments with a biplane kite in 1901 on the dunes of Kill Devil Hills and Kittyhawk, North Carolina to devise a method of controlling an aircraft, soon to be known as wing-warping. All three major points of flight---control, lift, and thrust---would come together on December 17th, 1903 to produce a 120 foot long (36m), 12 second duration flight of a heavier-than-air machine, the first the world would ever see. It would spawn unbelievably rapid development---almost 50 years later, mach 2 would be surpassed. The only conventionally controlled surfaces were those affecting yaw and pitch; roll authority was given by putting torsional stress on the wings, also known as "wing warping" swjr-swis' craft description: " EVA the pilots and walk onto the top wing above the command seats, they’ll be in range to board them. Stage to eject the separators that hold the prop rotors. Focus on each of the props and add full roll trim. Enable flaps (gear AG), set SAS stability, and stage to release clamp. She will lift off around 40m/s without inputs. (Optional: wait to clear the runway and stage to release the wheelbase). Flight is easy and stable (even without SAS, ~5% pitch down trim at cruising speed) but be aware that like the original, pitching too hard can cause her to flip over very easily. Happy first flight(s)." " The Kerman sisters, owners of a machinery factory near the KSC, inspired by some old faded blueprints of an ancient flight mobile found in a cave nearby the KSC, decided to test its airworthiness." Download Link: https://kerbalx.com/swjr-swis/Kerman-Flyer Tomorrow's Craft: Bell XP-83 "Airacomet"

roger that, you've been added to the list

Yeah, I left grey area because at the time I was unsure as to how much work it would be to write a page of text for each aircraft. Some people sent articles to me, though. I guess what I meant was that I'd feel bad taking all the 'like' points for other's work, despite giving credit. In jet-of-the-day, we posted and wrote only for the craft we created (2 exceptions), as in I posted and wrote about my craft, @Servo did the same, and no overlap. The Official starting post of X-plane-of-the-Day, what this has been working towards, will clarify. Everybody involved will be tagged.

It has been 8 days now, and I believe it is time to name a start-date for the official X-Plane-of-the-Day Thread. The craft backlog has grown a fair deal, but it is important to keep the ball rolling now, so I intend to officially start the thread on Sunday, May 21st, 2017. If you object to that date or have any other request, act on that by Saturday, May 20th, 2017.

If an Israeli F-15 that landed with one wing is any indicator, I agree. Speaking of things with very little wing area... The Douglas X-3 proves that reasonably sized wings are for sissies...

Yeah. put up a spoiler tag or just PM me the pics Yes, you can have the XFV-12. will add your name in the slot Thank you for the electro-props! and to the Wright flyer, yes, i think that would be a great way to kick this thing off! if you want the X-34, go for it! I'll change the OP again to keep it up to date with all this new content

Good deal! I don't blame you for being weary of stock bearings, I forget how comfortable I've become with them. Also got a little excited, admittedly. Ex: Definitely a point to watch, yes. Idea: There should be a 1-week threshold between the time a craft is done and the time it will appear on X-Plane of the Day. Therefore, once that line is crossed, it will be assumed that there are no entrants. If one does come up, it will be accepted, but may be accompanied by the build meant to fill the once empty slot. Will most likely implement this.

If you still want Solar impulse, electric stock props are easy! It's Swiss, but you can still do it. Ex-Post-Facto we'll stick to U.S. origin stuff. Squiddy, on YouTube, has made a wonderful tutorial for two sizes of E-engines, which I discovered while making my NASA Pathfinders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrVKFKRDFm8 (not embedding since it's not my content)

Unless the Concorde has an early experimental prototype I'm unaware of, it doesn't really classify as an "X-Plane" As for Solar Impulse, if you can do it with stock parts, that's fine despite it breaking the trend of U.S. craft. One-time thing---A complete worldwide list of experimental aircraft would be far too much to manage (for me, anyways).

Perfect, Going with that and changing OP Will also include download links

We have two options: (1) Let everybody present an article, (2) or only let the best one present. I'd like option 1, but i have to figure out how to do record-keeping so i know who presents on what day. Stay tuned. Also, feel free to add any craft not currently on the list, I'm going to add a few I have seen in books. The list started out including everything, but we whittled it down to things that actually flew -scram-jets. They'll probably be back soon.

"X-Plane of the Day" is on the horizon! @Servo and I are at it again, but this time we're reaching out---to you! X-plane-of-the-Day is fairly similar to Jet-of-the-Day, found below, but with some additional elements A quick browse through the first page will show the post formula and general format of our(Mainly @Servo's) '___-of-the-Day' type thread In this new iteration of the format, we are reaching out to you, the enthusiast, for your quality replicas of American experimental aircraft, prototypes, and tech-demo type craft The roster can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pxbH4AyQhn62Rb5ZNawKfkscsO47rq4DhVh1xgbJJqY/edit#gid=0 Criteria: Aircraft/Spacecraft must possess, if possible, the same characteristics tested/manipulated/created in the real craft. Ain't no fun if it don't do what it's supposed to, now is it? ---More specifically, the main focus of the experiment, if any. The X-1 broke the speed of sound, the X-3 tested sustained supersonic flight but failed due to lack of thrust, the X-4 tested tail-less flight, the X-5 tested variable sweep wing geometry, etc. If there's some variation between your craft and the original craft, we'll overlook it to a point. This shouldn't be too hard. Another Ex.- The X-29 is a high-maneuverability test aircraft, defined by its design's inherent instability. (It should be noted that there is a great deal of leeway for flight characteristics---some are hard to model, like 'aero-elastic' wings.) Aircraft/Spacecraft should be aesthetically pleasing. It should resemble the real deal. If the real plane is ugly, the KSP model can be ugly, of course. Aircraft/Spacecraft must be stock! Aircraft/Spacecraft must be uploaded on a site from which anybody may have access to the .craft file. Ex. KerbalX.com Aircraft/Spacecraft are mostly of U.S. design/origin Two to four pictures must be used of the craft in the post, at least one of the real craft. A video is fine, as well. How to Sign Up: PM myself or @Servo with two to four examples of your works. We will evaluate what we see to decide if you make the cut. You could just post here, as well---If you want to show pictures, the WIP Design thread in The Spacecraft Exchange is a better place to show them. Consider spoilers! Keep communicating with us---we'd like to know that you know (We don't bite, either.) Your Goal as a Contributor: Create up to 5 craft to be featured in "X-plane of the Day" If a craft is not on the list and you really want it, post here or PM me (to avoid spoilers) and it will be added of it meets the criteria If you don't want to make the post in the thread, I will make an article for it. (Ex.- The SR-71 post in Jet-of-the-Day.) Myself or @Servo will write the articles, your craft will be linked to and showcased with pictures, etc. Note to Mods --- I put this here despite the proper showcase thread belonging in The Spacecraft Exchange when it happens. Move this around as you wish.

You can PM @Servo or myself---we'll go from there based on how much time you have, what craft you want, etc.

Ah, the F-16XL, methinks. Yes, definitely going to remember all the weird lesser known stuff, and I mean really unknown, too, like the F6U 'Pirate,' for instance, and of course the Northrop flying wing bombers. (and the Convair YB-60 I've been teasing you all with in the WIP thread---it's done.) We'll start a thread, create a craft roster, and if you want something added, holler! When we'll do this idk, but it won't be limited to 2 people---open sign up is an idea I've been throwing around (with some 'decency standards', as to keep the quality of craft high.)

It's all 3, but can we step away from that and take a moment to recognize how beautiful the cockpit glass of the X-3 is?

Yes, the B model I don't know exactly when Northrop's flying wing data and stealth experiments came together (project B-2 conception), although I thought Jack Northrop died in 1981. Still, I believe he did see the plans, as the contract had not been won by Northrop at that point.

Yes, it is coming to a close---probably this week. Of-the-week would certainly last for a while, or the work could be broken up between more builders and the thread started later. I'm thinking I may create a few Russian craft or advance/modified designs to have a backlog for some other Jet-of-the-day type thread. I'm open to ideas, because while I did run out of time for two craft on this thread, I would certainly like to either organize or take part in an other.

yes, shame on me April 1997: Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit The B-2 stealth bomber is a subsonic, long range aircraft designed to nearly undetectable by means of infrared and radar detectors. It uses four non after-burning turbofans to produce a minimal thermal footprint. The very specific angles used in the design of the plane are primarily for deflecting radar signals. So far, there have been 21 Spirits made, each one being named after a location, usually a state. The beginnings of the B-2’s flying-wing design are rooted in early prototypes and concepts designed by John K. Northrop. in 1929, he created a proof-of-concept flying wing with a minimal tail. later, in 1940, the N1M flew, demonstrating that tailless flying wings were possible. That research lead to the XB-35, a four-engine counter-rotating prop bomber which never made it past the X-designation, and later to the YB-49, which was a jet-powered version of the same airfoil. the YB-49 was tested with great success, and went as far as a production prototype, but still was not accepted. Many years passed until 1981 when the concept of a low-profile flying wing became suitable for a stealth bomber concept, and the Northrop design team set to work again on Mr. Northrop’s old designs to eventually create the B-2. Replica Statistics Builder: NAA Part Count: 154 Mass: 45.7 Tons Crew: 2 Service Ceiling: 10km Powerplant: 8x Panther Top Speed: 212 m/s (dive) Dimensions: 18.2 x 42.0 x 3.3 LWH This craft is quite slow, but flies very well at higher altitudes, and has good range. Download Link: https://kerbalx.com/NorthAmericanAviation/Northrop-Grumman-B-2-Spirit Tomorrow's/Next Craft: Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

exactly. (Posting B-2 in the morning super late super tired)

Will probably give this a go, too. Also Can I use jet engines as dead weight to shift the Center of Gravity below the ground? (makes the bike self-righting) Would it be a good idea to make how long it takes to run the test course one of the judging criteria? And for everybody who will see this, my experience has been that four wheels in sets of two clipped to look like one will provide better performance, given that rover wheels act like 2-dimensional discs. (correct me if I'm wrong about this)

Thanks, I wanted the engines to be proportional to the rest of the plane --- probably more of a personal choice, too.

How timely---Coming tomorrow! September 1991: McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III The McDonnell Douglas C-17 is a medium STOL capable cargo aircraft developed from the YC-15 AMST aircraft. Major changes are obvious; length was added, the overall size of the aircraft grew, and the wing was swept and given anhedral. The C-17 is still in production as of 2017 and serves the U.S, Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, the United Kingdom, and with NATO directly. The Pratt & Whitney F117 Turbofans employ thrust reversers, which assist the craft in short-field landings. It can operate from dirt strips, gravel strips, and grass strips—or anywhere, really. The C-17 carries on the Heritage of the Globemaster name; it was first used on the Douglas C-74, then again with the Douglas C-124. Appropriately, the C-17 was still developed by McDonnell-Douglas, so the name seems appropriate. The C-17 replaced the Lockheed C-141 and fulfilled a few of the C-5’s roles, despite being smaller. The first two Globemasters were out of service long before the C-17 flew. The tail is swept, screenshot inconsistency. Replica Statistics Builder: NAA Part Count: 296 Mass: 59 Tons Crew: 2 Service Ceiling: 9400m Powerplant: 8x Panther (thrust limited) Top Speed: 175m/s Dimensions: 34.4 x 37.9 x 9.0 LWH This craft handles well, but turns slowly. Can take off in 600m, pretty ordinary and simple. KerbalX page describes Action Groups, they have notable functions. Download Link: https://kerbalx.com/NorthAmericanAviation/McDonnell-Douglas-C-17-Globemaster-III Tomorrow's Craft: Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit

My favorite part of this thread is hearing about other people's experience or heritage with the real-life examples of the many craft we've made. That said... April 1988: McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk McDonnell Douglas' T-45, a highly modified BAE Hawk, entered service in the early nineties to replace the aging T-2 Buckeye which no longer represented the flight characteristics of modern U.S. Navy fighters. Originally, the BAE Hawk had not been designed for use onboard a carrier, stalling at carrier approach speeds. McDonnell Douglas' design alterations included addressing this. The assembly of a T-45 has two major steps: The aft fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and intake ducts are made in England, while the rest is manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. In 2007, the T-45 was further modernized by receiving an HUD avionics display and more modern instruments. The USMC also uses T-45’s. Replica Statistics Builder: NAA Part Count: 59 Parts Mass: 10.8 Tons Crew: 1 Service Ceiling: 12.6km Powerplant: 1x Panther Top Speed: 335m/s Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.4 x 3.5 LWH This model handles with great stability and decent maneuverability—it is toned down since it’s a trainer. it also has good range and is easy to land/take off. 1 toggles Afterburner. Download Link: https://kerbalx.com/NorthAmericanAviation/McDonnell-Douglas-T-45-Goshawk Tomorrow's Craft: McDonnell Douglas C-17