The Raptor Has More Doors Than I've Ever Seen

[Roadburner440]

Talk about a lot of work. Our modelers are plugging away trying to get every door and contour on this bird. I must say for myself that it is coming along nicely. I will leave the rest for everyone else to decide though. As always comments are welcome, and thanks for taking the time to look. Don't forget the P-38 is nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. We should have more shots of that soon.

[Rezabrya]

Looking absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to get this thing into my hands.

[calypsos]

I am afraid 21st century aircraft leave totally cold.

[peter12213]

Well I love it and can't wait to get my grubby little mitts on it lol!!

[wilycoyote4]

Interesting

[jdhaenens]

Now, if you'd done the Navy model first, you could've traded at least two doors for a tailhook...just sayin'

[krazycolin]

Now, if you'd done the Navy model first, you could've traded at least two doors for a tailhook...just sayin'

Uh... it not only has a tailhook... and it's behind doors too!

Though I am pretty sure it would not be able to takeoff from a carrier... it might be able to land on one... (once)

kc.

[Roadburner440]

I do not think that there ever was meant to be, or will be a navy model. While the aircraft does have a tail hook, and it serves a similar purpose. The landing gear is just not strong enough to withstand the carrier landing. It would probably be a similar transformation that would have to take place like the YF-17 to F-18. Had to completely rework the landing gear and airframe to withstand the forces involved. The tail hook on the F-22 is for long field arresting gear at most military fields. Just wires strung across the far ends of the runway for a jet to catch before going off the end.

[jdhaenens]

My bad. All of these new fighters are starting to look the same to me. Guess the two engines should have given it away?

[Roadburner440]

LOL. Yeah it happens to the best of us. I know sometimes it takes me a minute or so looking at an aircraft to figure out what it is. To me the F-35 just looks like a shorter bloated version of the F-22. Doesn't look as nice or proporsional as the 22. Then again I think the best jet ever is the F-14 so my idea of a great jet is different than most others. The F-22 is certaintly a step in the right direction, but it is just so expensive. :ernae:

[MenendezDiego]

Indeed the F-22A is expensive, yet it can do the job of multiple aircraft, thus it evens out.

Also, think back when we replaced Phantoms with Tomcats. The Tomcats were more expensive, but they got the job done, as the F-22A can.

It's people in suits in hard wood offices that got the F-22A cancled, not the F-22A's price or capabilities. Sad really...

Anyways, back on topic, the renders look fantastic!

[Marlin]

, but it is just so expensive. :ernae:

And Congress agrees, so no more raptor.

That looks totally amazing, keep up the good work.

[JamesChams]

I'm glad that you are making this; my only request is that you make it "Look" (Ext. Model & VC with UHDT 4096x4096 Textures) and "behave" (Navigational Functionality, HUD & MFD's) like the real thing for FSX at least (i.e. NO Acceleration F/A-18 gauges used); If you do, I'll buy it.

Best of luck!

[Sundog]

I do not think that there ever was meant to be, or will be a navy model. While the aircraft does have a tail hook, and it serves a similar purpose. The landing gear is just not strong enough to withstand the carrier landing. It would probably be a similar transformation that would have to take place like the YF-17 to F-18. Had to completely rework the landing gear and airframe to withstand the forces involved. The tail hook on the F-22 is for long field arresting gear at most military fields. Just wires strung across the far ends of the runway for a jet to catch before going off the end.

Actually, I saw an F-14 use this sytem at a local airport, at night, where it was at for an airshow. It used it for the main reason USAF jets have tail hooks; It lost the hydraulics for the brake system. It was completely dark out, but the F-14 pilot made a perfect landing, which was expected. It was cool seeing the sparks from the tail hook when it hit the runway. It was a nice slow deceleration, as you stated, not like what you would see on a carrier.

If a USAF aircraft tried landing on a carrier, besides the gear breaking, the tail hook would probably rip out of the aft fuselage as well.

Taking a Navy plane and making it a USAF aircraft isn't too difficult, though. Taking a USAF plane and making it a Navy plane creates huge problems. Besides all of the structural problems to meet the Cat/Trap criteria, the main landing gear would have to move aft, or have linkages to move the wheels aft (See YF-17 to F-18) the aircraft would have to fly the approach more slowly, the nose gear has to be twin wheel, etc. Of course, the main draw back to taking a Navy plane and making it a USAF plane, is it is now overweight for the mission.

BTW, I still think the best collection of flying doors is those as seen on the F-35B, which I think you've already modeled?

Nice F-22, btw.

[Gibbage]

I remember the days when El Toro still had air shows. I went to it every year, and remember the massive chains just laying out in the field. I could not pick up a single link, and for the longest time, didnt know what they were doing out there. Simply put, if an aircraft needed it (hydrolics out) they put there tail hook down and caught a wire attached to those chains. No expensive or complex system. Just big heavy chains with links the size of you head dragging in tall grass would slow you down real quick.

[jmig]

I remember the days when El Toro still had air shows. I went to it every year, and remember the massive chains just laying out in the field. I could not pick up a single link, and for the longest time, didnt know what they were doing out there. Simply put, if an aircraft needed it (hydrolics out) they put there tail hook down and caught a wire attached to those chains. No expensive or complex system. Just big heavy chains with links the size of you head dragging in tall grass would slow you down real quick.

I promise you that they can be dragged a couple hundred feet. I did so. You don't stop as fast as catching the wire on a carrier but it is easier to catch it. You land 100-300 feet in front and just drag the hook to the wire.

O...be sure and lock your harness before