Archive 03

Suddenly it's done

12 May 2024

It all came together. Finished the modelling, applied my basic textures, applied mirrors, sorted out all the parts into collections, parented parts so I can move the model as a whole, and there it is finished. I created a new file with a basic HDRI sky so now I can start to develop my poster ideas. For this one I am going to need good clouds and a sun, and lots of moody lighting. The 3D model can viewed in model-viewer:

The 3D model with wings swept back.

The 3D model with wings forward.

Mondiale engines.
Mondiale, wings swept back, front view, climbing to high altitude, on its way to mach 5.
The underside of Mondiale.
Mondiale, wings swept back, showing the position of its six engines.
Mondiale mirrored.
Mondiale, wings forward with slats and flaps deployed. This is the configuration for landing and take offs, and air to air refueling.

On a journey with Mondiale

29 April 2024

When I drew the 2D design for Mondiale I remember having a sense that the design wasn't resolved correctly. Now, having built the model in 3D using Blender, that unresolved issue was very real, and meant redesigning the back part of the plane. Basically there was a gap between the engines and the blended wing - a gap that just could not exist in a hypersonic aeroplane. I had to lift the engines to close the gap, and that meant reworking the whole of the rear end. But as is typical with these things, the new design is an improvement on the old. The aerodynamics are now a lot tighter.

As far as modelling goes, that blended wing fuselage has been a real challenge. At one point I found myself going around nudging individual vertices to get a smooth finish to the mesh. But I'm pleased with the result. Now on to materials and then the start of the poster work.

Mondiale engines.
The 2D plan had a gap between the engines and the control surfaces which was just wrong. I raised the engines to fill that gap. That meant a redesign of the back of the plane and that air intake. Rather than being a big block shape, it now sports a graceful curve.
The underside of Mondiale.
The underside of Mondiale.
Mondiale mirrored.
A test I did using the mirror modifier to check the overall shape of the plane. There will have to be two configurations - wings swept as shown here, and wings forward with slats flaps deployed.

Mondiale taking shape

18 March 2024

I've made some progress with Mondiale. What I've realised with this model is that my 2D blueprints only tell a small part of the story. I've had to think as I go along about how the body and blended wing work together. It's been challenging but I'm getting there. I am at the stage now where I am working in the swing wing.

That first fuselage profile.
That first fuselage profile.
The shape of the blended wing becomes apparent.
The shape of the blended wing becomes apparent.
A super long nose and that characteristic 'chin'.
A super long nose and that characteristic 'chin'.
The fuselage gains volume in the mid section - for fuel and that swing wing mechanism.
The fuselage gains volume in the mid section - for fuel and that swing wing mechanism.
The start of the challenge to blend in the swing wing.
The start of the challenge to blend in the swing wing.
Quite pleased with the way it is going - not bad.
Quite pleased with the way it is going - not bad.

Mondiale Starchaser

23 February 2024

I thought Diana looked pretty good in that second Aircat poster but again, I had a totally underwhelming response on LinkedIn. I'm sticking to my belief that I am a great artist nonetheless, on the basis that all great artists die in poverty and only achieve greatness from the grave. I'm in that Modigliani school, and won't be giving up the day job any time soon.

So on to the Mondiale Starchaser - a start at Cyber-Toulouse, the site of the Concorde Temple.

The start of the Mondiale Starchaser build.
The start of the Mondiale Starchaser build.
Archive 02
Archive 01
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