[Stock] RQ-200 Widow Maker Block-1A

[Raptor kerman]

The RQ-200 Widow Maker

High altitude technology demonstrator

[Block-1A]

 

Download latest model here

 

The RQ-200 Widow maker is the first of a long line of kerbal-less technology demonstrators. Taking several prototypes before reaching a final airframe design. Now upgraded to Block-1A. Development of the RQ-200 will be carried on in the pursuit of perfection. Several variants are planned and are currently being developed for release along with upgrades to the original version. The main variants will include and extended-range model, a high-altitude model, a high-speed model and a cruising model.

Update log: (please check as new block upgrades come every few days)

Spoiler

Block-1: Ready for release prototype.

Block-1A: Added blended dihedral layout along with a more uniform increase in AoA across the wing. Added trim tabs on the nose. Minor changes to CoL. These changes bring a huge increase in controllability especially at low and medium speeds. The trim tabs are manually adjusted to optimise AoA and climb rate. These changes also bring much more stability and a slight increase in climb rate for a (very) small increase in drag. Currently available model.

•The Widow Maker is a high altitude blended wing body design designed for high lift under all circumstances capable of reaching speeds above 1200 m/s at heights in excess of 30 000m

•Stall speed is tested and is around 25 to 30 m/s remaining largely controllable throughout the speed range although loss of control can be observed at speeds below 40 m/s. The current Block-1 suffers from pretentious handling issues, largely but not restricted to extreme yaw sensitivity due to the lack of significant rudder surfaces. As a result flat spins can be observed through incorrect flying. Rolling either side will cause  a pitching movement in the opposite direction of travel. In order to turn and avoid flat spins, a combination pitch, roll and yaw should be used. As always, a joystick is recommended. However in level flight the airframe is stable although SAS should not be turned off, it stays stable throughout the fuel range, from max. fuel to min. fuel. 

•There are two take off profiles, one of which considerably safer and easier than the other. Due to the sheer amount of crashes during testing, 2 sepratrons are staged on the nose to help lift the nose off the ground.

 

Spoiler

Profile 1:

1. Brakes on
2. SAS on
3. Stage engine
4. spool up for 5 seconds at full thrust
5. Brakes off
6. Pitch up at 35 m/s
7. Stage sepratrons at 40 m/s
8. gear up
9. stop pitch input once gear up 
10. let aircraft level off once sepratrons are exhausted and fly normally, avoid excessive inputs until above 100 m/s

 

Spoiler

Profile 2:

1. Brakes off 
2. SAS on
3. Stage engine
4. spool up for 5 seconds at full thrust
5. brakes off
6. Pitch up at 40 m/s
7. gear up immediately after pitch up (yes gear up when on the runway)
8. Keep pitch up input until above 100m or 60 m/s. Then fly normally, avoid excessive inputs until above 100 m/s

•There are no special profiles for landing and landing this aircraft is considerably safer and easier than taking off. Beware that the aircraft decelerates EXTREMELY quickly when the engine is producing no thrust. It is recommended to stay above 60 m/s during final approach, flare and landing should be executed at 55 m/s, but never below 40 m/s. 

Gallery:

Spoiler

Update: With Block-1A now available, Blocks-1B and -1C will be testbeds for Block-2. Block-1B should bring a boost in take off performance, the aim being to get rid of the separations and will be available in a few days.

The aircraft is based upon these concept images of the secret reconnaissance drone RQ-180. The bigger brother of the RQ-170 Sentinel of which less than a dozen of photos exist.

 

chomp chomp

-Raptor

Edited April 23, 2018 by Raptor kerman