Re: [GZG] [OFFICIAL] Question: troop-carrying VTOLs....?

At 9:04 PM +0000 11/25/08, Phillip Atcliffe wrote:
>Ryan Gill wrote:
>
>>Based on what's gone forwards so far for aircraft, podded segments are
VERY unusual. Perhaps the strength leaves something to be desired.
>>
>It's more a matter of weight, I think. The pod has to be a
self-contained structure for the times it's on the ground by itself, and
the lift vehicle has to be a complete structure for when it's not
carrying a pod. So at the connection between them, there's twice as much
structure as there needs to be if it's a non-podded design, which is
heavy.
>
>>But cargo versions of attack helicopters generally have entirely
separate airframes with common components (not really a help for your
purposes I know).
>> 
>>
>Oh, I dunno... As someone suggested earlier, why not use the "dynamics"
of the Mantis -- engines, tail, even the cockpit if you think in-line
seating is appropriate (though most transports have side-by-side
seating; not all, though -- look at the Mi-24 Hind which, though famed
as a gunship, could also carry troops) --

It's really an extra large Gunship with some extra room for troops. The
MI-8 HIP which uses a LOT of the same components (engines, avionics,
rotors, gearboxes) has a different airframe and is a full on
trashhauler.

It would seem that the VTOL in question, as a small 2 man unit would
have scant room in it's performance envelope to keep weapons AND carry
infantry/cargo.

>and add a custom-built fuselage for the transport mission. To take
another example from the real world, think H-1 "Huey". The original Huey
gunships were converted transports used to cover "slicks" (unarmed troop
transports) on insertion and retrieval missions; later, the AH-1
HueyCobra was designed, replacing the UH-1 fuselage with a specialist
body for the gunship role. Why not do something similar for the Mantis,
only in reverse?

That's my point. A pod under the existing airframe with retained weapons
would likely have little extra performance.

>I like the idea of using pods/modules, but I also have to admit that it
will have its drawbacks.

Pretty much what I was saying.
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