Wonder how a not quite airplane that can maneuver in 2 dimensions will stand up against real airplanes that can maneuver in three dimensions?
Release the Kraken
The big multi-engine ones are very impressive, but I imagine they really burn up the fuel.
Ping!
Water is very smooth - not open ocean. I fail to see the modern utility in a prop plane that guzzles fuel and flies neither high nor fast and is sensitive to waves.
(Spent some time as an A.I. in the 70's trying to figure these guys out)
For those of you concerned about these vehicles clearing water-based obstacles, consider that ground effect occurs up to an altitude equivalent to the wingspan of the vehicle, with maximum efficiency occurring at one-half of that altitude. If one of these things has a 100-foot wingspan, it can stay in ground effect at 100 feet above the surface, with maximum efficiency at 50 feet. Some of these vehicles can also do short-distance hops up to several hundred feet, to clear taller obstacles. Don’t forget that they can fly at 500 knots.
These things are awesome marvels of aeronautical engineering.
Bump for later
We might not worry about it but I guarantee that the nation of Georgia has the shivers. This is a “Threat Axis” multiplier which has to be factored in for proper military preparedness. Every country along the Caspian and Black Seas now has something else to worry about in this area if the Russian Bear gets irritated enough.
It’s an interesting idea but quiet they’re not. Hopefully, the Russians will use modern high-bypass jet engines and turboprops with quieter blades for a commercial version.
There’s been some strange stuff made. I always likes the Sea Dart and Martin Sea Master.
On the Stealth, they could work on it.
Fuel consumption? Think turbo-compound Rotary or 2 stroke Diesel, turbo-compounded.
And Zero is cutting everything defense.We could do it, but not anytime soon. This is a serious delivery system of weapons and personnel.