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Description

The A-24 Ridgeback is an atmospheric attack craft capable of fulfilling either a fighter or bomber role. Unlike it's space-based brethren with limited atmospheric capability, the Ridgeback is specifically designed for high-speed atmospheric flight and maneuverability, outperforming other vehicles such as the Kite, while bringing much more firepower to the fight. It is operated by one pilot and one combat systems officer, who operates the weapons, navigation equipment, and an array of electronic countermeasures. It can carry up to 14 long-range missiles in bays on either side of the cockpit, and is equipped with two 30mm autocannons embedded within the wings. The Ridgeback derives its name from the experimental double ridges along the dorasal and ventral sides in place of vertical stabilizers. While an unconventional design, the length of the ridges still give them a comparable surface area for equivalent control authority and stabilization, although at the cost of higher skin drag.

This is a new model I put together after prototyping some designs. I really liked how it was looking, so I kept fleshing it out, even though I hadn't intended to make an actual design when I started the prototyping. I went for something a little more traditional, and the final result came out looking like a bit of a hybrid between an F-22 and an F-4, which I really enjoy.

Description

The A-24 Ridgeback is an atmospheric attack craft capable of fulfilling either a fighter or bomber role. Unlike it's space-based brethren with limited atmospheric capability, the Ridgeback is specifically designed for high-speed atmospheric flight and maneuverability, outperforming other vehicles such as the Kite, while bringing much more firepower to the fight. It is operated by one pilot and one combat systems officer, who operates the weapons, navigation equipment, and an array of electronic countermeasures. It can carry up to 14 long-range missiles in bays on either side of the cockpit, and is equipped with two 30mm autocannons embedded within the wings. The Ridgeback derives its name from the experimental double ridges along the dorasal and ventral sides in place of vertical stabilizers. While an unconventional design, the length of the ridges still give them a comparable surface area for equivalent control authority and stabilization, although at the cost of higher skin drag.

This is a new model I put together after prototyping some designs. I really liked how it was looking, so I kept fleshing it out, even though I hadn't intended to make an actual design when I started the prototyping. I went for something a little more traditional, and the final result came out looking like a bit of a hybrid between an F-22 and an F-4, which I really enjoy.