XP-38 Sky Viper

[Davey]

I built the XP-38 Sky Viper as part of the Brickworld 2010 Vic Viper Fly-In in memory of the late nnenn. I wanted to build something that met the 'Vic Viper Standard' but melded it with the look and feel of a classic WWII aircraft. My design is supposed to be reminiscent of a WW-II fighter aircraft and I envisioned something like a cross between a P-38 Lightning and a Rostock F2B Sanka Mk. B from the movie ‘The Sky Crawlers’. I also took some design cues from the XP-55 Ascender built by Curtiss-Wright Corporation in the 1940’s.

The XP-38 Sky Viper features contra-rotating three-blade pusher props that are spun using Pratt & Whitney R-2800 WASP engines pumping out 2,800 hp each. Each engine features a turbo-supercharger arrangement allowing power to be maintained to over 44,000 ft.

Fuel is standard AVGAS 115/145 and allows operations at up to 65 inHg without damage to the engine. The XP-38 can also carry enough fuel for a four hour patrol stint. In-flight refueling capability is still in development but should be available by late-2010.

This engine arrangement allows maximum level speeds of 550+ mph to be achieved with a cruise speed of 408 mph. Rate of climb is around 6,000 fpm and roll rate is 120° per second.

Cooling for the engines is achieved by a large radiator mounted on the rear of the aircraft. Airflow is directed to the engines and to the radiator via the large air scoop mounted underneath the fuselage.

I hope you all enjoy my first go at some Sky-Fi building. More pictures are available over on my Flickr Photostream for the XP-38 Sky Viper.

-Davey

[Defferwa]

amazing. i love the red-yellow tiles at the front. this really looks like a huge flying gun. i love the wings!

[Dan the Brickman]

That is a very interesting creation there. The color scheme, and design are pretty neat overall, but my one complaint is the front looks too boxy. But, i suppose that can be an issue with building round objects with square bricks.

[QQS]

Very nice creation :) I like colour scheme, total shape, but IMO the front is a little too square...

God job!

[Adam the Ant]

I really like this design, great colour scheme and some nice detailing. I agree with what others have said about the front being too boxy, but overall a great design.

[WesternOutlaw]

From wonderful train locomotives to sci-fi models, Davey strikes again! You really are a talended builder Dave. I've never been a big space fan, but when I see fantastic models like this, I just have to comment. I really like the checkerboard front end which captures your attention. The folded wing design looks good as well. Lots of wing details and a nice red/yellow stripe that blends in nicely with your color scheme (and without the use of stickers). Top notch creation and two front-pages in one week.

Gread job bud!

[Hoboman]

Well done Davey. I think you were successful in what you wanted to do. It has a 1940ish feel while alos keeping to the style of a VV.

I also am impressed with the color use. it looks good with that checker board style look. Gives it particular style.

Good Job

[Davey]

From wonderful train locomotives to sci-fi models, Davey strikes again! You really are a talended builder Dave. I've never been a big space fan, but when I see fantastic models like this, I just have to comment. I really like the checkerboard front end which captures your attention. The folded wing design looks good as well. Lots of wing details and a nice red/yellow stripe that blends in nicely with your color scheme (and without the use of stickers). Top notch creation and two front-pages in one week.

Gread job bud!

Aww. Thanks for the kind words and the frontpage mention! I didn't expect to make it to the EB frontpage twice in one week. And thanks to everyone else for the kind words and constructive criticism. I love being a part of this community and it is so wonderful to be able to share what we are building amongst each other.

-Davey

[XimenaPaulina]

Wow, that's a truly amazing plane, great job on this one Davey! The red-yellow highlights on dark bley is an interestingly effective color scheme, I love it! And the details are just great.