Mooney_Driver wrote:
But none of them are airplanes really, they are spaceplanes. So i wonder if they count.
Medewok wrote that spacecraft capable of atmospheric flight would also qualify. IIRC, the BSG Vipers were capable of atmospheric flight. Certainly the BSG Raptors were. (We can see Admiral Adama piloting one on Earth in the last episode.)
MedEwok wrote:
Is a Borg cube capable of atmospheric flight?
Since we’re in fantasy land, maybe it would “simply” create a shield in the shape of a teardrop? At 3km tall it might be a little big for Earth. The good side is that it uses Neuralink™ for control, so pilot is one with the machine.
loco wrote:
Since we’re in fantasy land, maybe it would “simply” create a shield in the shape of a teardrop? At 3km tall it might be a little big for Earth. The good side is that it uses Neuralink™ for control, so pilot is one with the machine
The tritanium shaped memory alloy hull should be strong enough to stand the atmosphere – as there is a almost earth like pressure with an air temperature of 39.1C inside it, pressure stress is very small anyways and aerodynamic stress could be compensated by the ablative armor that also shields agains particle weapons.
So yes – should be able to stand the atmosphere.
Much bigger challenge might be to get a clearance for a plane for that size in the crowded UK airspace system – at least VFR you might book your GASCO slot right away as you most certainly will infringe some airspace …
On the original question: This is my dream ride since early childhood – don’t know if it’s know outside Germany.
Runs on raspberry syrup that not only comes handy sometimes but also is great from a carbon footprint POV.
A Firefly class vessel
Anastasia from Dan Dare.
for me, the Razor Crest would be a good craft. Small enough to land everywhere, easy reparable, spacious inside, and fast enough.
Sopwith Camel, of course!
The Kalinin K-7 reportedly did fly, but definitely not in this mammoth configuration with at least 16 engines and a wing thick enough to house two-storeyed apartements.