The interesting thing about the Wombat is, I believe, that it was based on a real world proposal (from BAE) for a jet powered platform which would be used to provide vertical take off for standard jets. The jet would sit atop a triangular platform filled with ducted fans. The combined craft would be lifted vertically by the fans, and would then accelerate forwards until the jet’s flight speed was attained. The jet would then separate to go about its business while the platform returned to base. See this Reddit post for a design drawing: https://www.reddit.com/r/RetroFuturism/comments/6pm782/p17d_fighter_jet_takeoff_platform_1960/ It’s odd that Thunderbirds did everything in reverse, where the Wombat is used for landing. It’s hard to understand what benefit the craft is trying to achieve. My head canon as a boy was that it was useful for rescuing aircraft unable to land … but we have High Speed Elevator Cars for that!
Fascinating Wallaby. I love that old drawing on the link. I see what you mean about it being reversed. The Spacex Nuclear Pulse 1970 toy was pretty much a fan-driven craft and looks absolutely brilliant. Check out the labels for a gander.
I think the blue plastic key fob is meant to be a Grumman F-14 Tomcat, US Navy fighter - think Top Gun.
ReplyDeleteTop Gun eh! I've never seen it Paul!
DeleteThe interesting thing about the Wombat is, I believe, that it was based on a real world proposal (from BAE) for a jet powered platform which would be used to provide vertical take off for standard jets. The jet would sit atop a triangular platform filled with ducted fans. The combined craft would be lifted vertically by the fans, and would then accelerate forwards until the jet’s flight speed was attained. The jet would then separate to go about its business while the platform returned to base. See this Reddit post for a design drawing: https://www.reddit.com/r/RetroFuturism/comments/6pm782/p17d_fighter_jet_takeoff_platform_1960/
ReplyDeleteIt’s odd that Thunderbirds did everything in reverse, where the Wombat is used for landing. It’s hard to understand what benefit the craft is trying to achieve. My head canon as a boy was that it was useful for rescuing aircraft unable to land … but we have High Speed Elevator Cars for that!
Fascinating Wallaby. I love that old drawing on the link. I see what you mean about it being reversed. The Spacex Nuclear Pulse 1970 toy was pretty much a fan-driven craft and looks absolutely brilliant. Check out the labels for a gander.
DeleteHappy Birthday guys! Sorry, I was in London and have only just caught-up! here's to another fifteen . . .
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Thanks Hugh! Hope you had a Capital time!
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