IDW 0020: AT-APC Hovercraft

[Flip]

http://davivsjapan.com/IDW.jpg

Topic: AT-APC Hovercraft

Background: Present day. Manufacturer Griffon Hovercraft (http://www.griffonhovercraft.com) is trying to develop a truly all-terrain vehicle. Current hovercrafts offer the advantage of being amphibious and able to travel over sea or land mines without danger but are limited to relatively flat surfaces. They want you to develop a hovercraft that is also suitable over more mountainous terrain.


Brief:

1. Design a hovercraft for use by the military as an armoured personnel carrier.

2. It must be able to deal with rougher terrain than current hovercrafts.


Deadline: Saturday 28th October (New topic on Friday)

[dragon4lunch]

I assume it can be a sci-fi machine that hovers, but doesn't have to have air filled bags underneath.

So we can design any type of hovering vehicle, right? Not planes though, but close to ground vehicles.

[Sogbad]

The brief is for a Present Day time period, so I'm thinking that we are allowed a limited amount of latitude, after all if we could really solve this design problem with today's technology we wouldn't be sitting alone, at our little desks, wasting our weekends doing concept designs, oh hold on that's just me ;)

So I think as long as the design reflects modern technology or at least very near future or prototype technology it should answer the brief, but that's just me, and I've been know to be wrong on more than one occasion, well quite a lot more than one occasion, but not wrong as many times as I've had beer, because I've had A LOT of beer ;)

[Flip]

There's a bit of latitude. Sogbad's right, present day or near future. The aim was to use hovercraft technology - forcing air under the vehicle to create a bit of lift - however if you want to come up with some other way of making it hover that's cool.

[The Dream Walker]

This is a really really cool and fun Topic.
I'm in, if you'll have me.

[cesaraguilar]

well my first sketch , I think in my model of hovercraft instal four disturb reactors and two but adjustable ones The intention is that in obstacles difficult Hovercraft podria to save them with a powerful impulse

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/450/hovervp2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3797/hoverfinishbd0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



sorry for my english, I am to study the language


dragon thanks for your commentaries
goran your concept is very nice but I think is a aero speedboat same a luke´s car in the star wars IV, is not ,
the antigrav system is air is not to throw air much more? , the airplane harriet sends much air to take off

[arttorney]

"Podria" is "could" or "would be able to"

nice concept.

[Flake]

Cool topic, time permitting I'll have a crack at this.

[Legato]

i think i'll throw into this a bit... its been awhile since i've needed to figure something out with modern tech :P

[Dragonspit]

The Military Fast Attack HoverCraft, was designed as a fairly quick strike vehicle. Carrying 5-8 personell, not including the two necessary drivers. Two drivers are needed when not in auto mode, as the 4 exhaust thrusters, are independant and can be oriented in a wide range allowing diverse body movement for the vehicle. Although landing can be done on the body itself, the ring/grates attached to the thruster body, are there to protect the thrusters should the be landed on. they can support the weight. The failings of the the FAMHC that caused its lackluster sales and use, was in that there are so many moving motors/servos and struts, maintanence of the craft was not realistic.




http://pixelsnpaper.com/Gallery/albums/Concept-Art-and-Sketches/pt1msm2.jpg

[goran]

Thank you guys for your votes ,I am honoured.
Stil W.I.P.
Here goes my weekend.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/smogyboy/CA%20sketchbook/APC-Howercraft-revised.jpg

[dragon4lunch]

dragonspit I think you should include a 3/4 view. A money shot, if you will!

goran: That's delicious! The paper texture that somehow seems to make this realistic object emerge from it is a neet look! Digging it!

[dragon4lunch]

cesar - the turbine closest to us has perspective issues. Draw through the far away circle and you'll see it is wrong. Also, add highlights to the edges of the ship. I'll look much better right away!

[Dragonspit]

dragonspit I think you should include a 3/4 view. A money shot, if you will!


Thanx for the input. my intentions is to do just that, painted. but I see some things I want to change, this was kind of a, get some comments, makes some adjustments wip post. I liked the presentation of Sogads and Gorans work so much in the last couple, I want to try and get something better and present it as well. Maybe I could even get a vote, then I woke up and saw Gorans newest post:nohope:

cesaraguilar- I agree with dfl on the highlighting. having some higlighting would help punch this up some.

[Johnnyhorse]

Goran - That may be my favorite design/piece of all of yours, and I've seen a lot of your work! I love the triangle design (though at first glance it's very hard to tell from the full rendering that it's three sided). The side panneling is perfect--it mimics the desert landscape with the cracking soil/dried wood perfectly.

Okay, sorry, I don't have any useful crits at this moment.
I might have to try this one... but of course that means nothing.

[Legato]

love em all so far... gorans's artistically as usual owns, im just wondering the present day abilities of those engines :P

i guess im thinking more along the lines of air filled skirts in terms of hovercraft :/

[Johnnyhorse]

Geez Legato, I haven't seen you since I tried out some DSGs in like March/April or something--wait.. are you seriously in Lincoln Nebraska? Hah, that's ugh.. weird. Are you at UNL?

Oh, and so that this post isn't entirely a waste of space... I figured out how to make your piece look more triangular, Goran. You need to make the gun turrets on the far right side of the ship on the right. That way the viewer will more easily recognize that those are mirrored sides.

[Legato]

Geez Legato, I haven't seen you since I tried out some DSGs in like March/April or something--wait.. are you seriously in Lincoln Nebraska? Hah, that's ugh.. weird. Are you at UNL?

Oh, and so that this post isn't entirely a waste of space... I figured out how to make your piece look more triangular, Goran. You need to make the gun turrets on the far right side of the ship on the right. That way the viewer will more easily recognize that those are mirrored sides.
lol, yeah, i come back and forth... i may or may not be be breaking free from an eve online addiction... we will see...

currently im going to metro community college in elkhorn, so i commute two days a week, after that, who know :P

[goran]

@Legato-Good catch, there is now another engine underneath .
Thank you.
@Johnnyhorse-Yes you are right, how about this ?

[silliKONe]

goran - nice one! a real sweet illustration. i agree with johnny horse in that it's a little hard to make that connection with your blueprint at first glance. the hovership in the rear reads a little easier. maybe if you make an indication of the 3rd lower jet nozzle on the far side, it'd read better as a triangular object. cool design - it's very rugged and heavy looking, yet somehow, i can picture it floating along like a ship on water. reminds me of that videogame battlezone (the pc remake, not the original arcade game). anyone ever play that?

[PianoForte]

Haha, i know exactly what you mean sillikone, thats what i thought of when i saw his design, great game that.

[Sogbad]

WIP….Hippo, advanced concept for Griffon Hovercraft

Hopefully I can finish it up tomorrow evening.
So my design for a present day hovercraft military APC, which can deal with rough terrain is….

The main issue with conventional hovercraft on rough terrain is that they operate on a cushion of air trapped within the skirt, if the craft gets titled over rough terrain it allows the air cushion to escape. The solution on the Hippo is to have 6 independent air cushions/skirts, each individually powered and articulated, allowing a constant level of lift over very rough terrain.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/sogbad/APC3.jpg

The Hippo has 3 crew, one driver front and center, an officer and a weapons specialist, 10 fully equipped troops can fit in the personnel compartment behind the drive cabin.

It is powered by 2 jet turbines with thrust vectoring to provide drive and steering.

Armament consists of twin Metalstorm electronically fired pods, forward firing only used to clear the embarkation area, and a triple barreled Metalstrom 40mm turret for general protection. It also has multiple grenade launchers and smoke generators.

[dragon4lunch]

sogbad and goran: Oh how rad is this duel!!! Digging your machines! Sweentess my friends, sweetness!!! :hatsoff: :star: :star: :star:

[Legato]

nice job Sogbad! this is more of what i was thinking with the air filled things and the like... is that all 3d? or a 3d paint-over or what? the form is spot on perspective wise.

crit wise, it just doesnt' seem big enough for all the guys you say can fit in it...

[dragon4lunch]

goran you could use some larger images on your site. Cool stuff, buy painful not to get a closer look ;)

[Legato]

here it goes

http://incolor.inetnebr.com/legato/IDotW/IDotW%20020%20-%20Final%20Reduced.jpg

since hovercraft control like drunken air hocky pucks, i decided that the first thing you would need to do in order to boost the movement on rough terrain would be to add friction. the legs are not meant to lift the entire weight of the craft, but mearly to push off against or pull towards, much like a roller blader moving forward from one fling to the next. this would allow a crab like scuttling motion i would imagine. it also would allow upward torque for pushing the main frame of the craft up inclines and the like (nothing huge mind you). the feet could be bio mechanical, but i was going more for a fabric covered look.

i made this larger than most, it features a split frame design so the forward 'cockpit' is hinged with the rear. i would say around 20 marines could fit into this beast. driving would either be done remotely, via AI or internal pilot using mini cameras.

leg 'feet' could be switched for wheels or whatever depending on the mission by using the modular pod attachments.

sketchbook pro 4-5 hours from brainstorming to the end.

[Johnnyhorse]

Legato - Very nice! Wonderful ideas and a great execution. The scale, legs, and machine gun are done quite well.
Only thing I would touch up is the camo pattern on the metal--the variation in the size and shapes mimics the rest of the vehicle too much, and pushes the eyes away from the midsection of the vehicle. Perhaps trying to make longer, stretched camo patterns... stretched horizontally for a flatter look, since it needs to blend in with the ground while moving pretty fast.

Sogbad - Great design as well, and intelligent way to go about the hover-designs.

I can already tell that this is going to be a very hard round for voting... all the pieces are unique, and they all look good and have even better designs.

PS Goran - what I meant is that there is a machine-gun turret missing from the VERY right side of the fully rendered hovercraft, right where the craft meets the end of the paper. At this angle perhaps we wouldn't be able to see it... but still it would give the impression of the figure much more clearly ;)

[goran]

Sogbad-I dont see your stuff.
And I am done.

[Sogbad]

Legato- Thanks, and it's a paintover of a 3d block model, but I did manage to stick that many people in it, its a little hard to see from that angle how big the personnel compartment is, if I get time I'll include a schematic, but if I had time I'd RULE!!! the world, or at least my apartment ;)

Goran- Don't know why you can't see the image, is anyone else having a problem seeing my post??

[Dragonspit]

Goran- Don't know why you can't see the image, is anyone else having a problem seeing my post??

I can see it. my scope at work didnt bring it up, but its very tempermental and I usually have to wait to get home to see most of them, including my own, so I am not very good reference.


I redesigned mine, similar yet different. while painting I made some adjustments and ended up tweaking a couple pieces of perspective wrong. still not done, and dont know if I can get it done in time.

nice round.

[The Dream Walker]

... I don't think i read the description properly...
I'm just gonna have to blag it with the description :(
WIP
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/TruthWalker/2-1.jpg

[goran]

Sogbad-I can't see your picture, strange. Everybody else is fine.

[DELTA-CHARLIE]

First time in IDW, hope you like it!

http://www.davidcarles.com/illustrations/IDW0020.jpg

This hovercraft APC provide excellent mobility, speed. lethality and survivability for the Infantry and a toilet is also provided in the vehicle.

[Legato]

delta, im just wondering how much room internally would be needed to run those lift fans. it would be cool seeing a pseudo cut-away view :P

artistically, it looks a bit flat. i would suggest putting up a perspective grid and seeing what lines up and what doesn't

love the war paint tho... rather fitting if run over i would imagine :D

[Dragonspit]

updated, not done, but still. wish I knew how to put that weathered look on so many folks can do. would just look better with some "battle scars" or wear.

[Sogbad]

Dragonspit If your using Photoshop it's very easy to add weathering or texture to your renderings, although my half arsed, drunken stupor example may not fully show its potential ;)......


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/sogbad/weather.jpg

In Photoshop Layers are your friend, simply overlay a texture, sometimes relevant sometimes just out of the blue, play with the type of layer, and the transparency amount, erase some detail and Bobs our uncle, a richer more detailed surface.

[D-Holme]

I would have loved to model another IDW this week but unfortunately work got in the way. I thought I would put my concept drawing in all the same - bit of a poor profile-ortho’ given a quick wash in Photoshop I am afraid.
http://www.milecastle.com/IDW20-DHolme.jpg

The Land-Griffin ACV-IV is an extensive modification of the Griffin AVC-III, this vehicle is optimised for advanced terrain operation. Although it still retains its amphibious capabilities the Land-Griffin is only suitable inland or close to shore operation rather than the full ocean operation of AVC-III. Replacing its marine characteristics are improved dust exclusion, increased armour, better nap-of-earth flight technology and improved manoeuvrability even with a greater weight.

The vehicle is capable of transporting a squad 40 combat ready marines and their equipment or 14 marine and two light transport vehicles. The Land-Griffin is envisioned to operate in a medium combat lift role with sufficient fire power and armour to support troops as they go about their mission.

Four lifting fan and cushion units are mounted at the corners of the carrying body. Fan units are capable of independent rotation an elevation so that they may optimise coverage on uneven terrain. At the centre of the main body is a trio of large turbo-fans these are used for balancing the craft, providing extra thrust and giving sufficient lift for short 'jump' flights - the exit nozzles of these fans have thrust-vectoring fins for additional directional control.

Main propulsive drive is granted by two co-axial mounted paired turbo-jet engines, these are located on a pivoting base at the rear of the main body with a +/- 120 degree horizontal and +/- 45 degree vertical range of motion.

Armament is sufficient for the vehicle to defend itself and also act in a light to medium role giving fire support for disembarking troops when deploying into hostile LZs.
*Main armament is a pair of quad mounted 25mm chain guns for engaging light-medium vehicles, infantry and helicopters to a range of 1.5 km – both units are mounted on raised towers to give better axis of fire without exposing the vehicle.
*A 12mm gattling cannon is turret mounted bellow the command module for engaging light targets long path of travel.
*Four open gun positions on the vehicles flanks have multipurpose mounts for either heavy machineguns or grenade launchers.
*AA defence come from a dorsal mounted ground to air missile system.

[Dragonspit]

Dragonspit If your using Photoshop it's very easy to add weathering or texture to your renderings, although my half arsed, drunken stupor example may not fully show its potential ;)......


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/sogbad/weather.jpg

In Photoshop Layers are your friend, simply overlay a texture, sometimes relevant sometimes just out of the blue, play with the type of layer, and the transparency amount, erase some detail and Bobs our uncle, a richer more detailed surface.

Thanx Sogbad. I use Painter. I have an old copy of PS, but I think the layering in Painter will work just as well. I am at work at this writing and can only see the img tag but not the image, so I will have to wait till I get home to check out the pic you attached. In anycase, it sound reasonable, I will have to play with a couple. just a lasso'ed off layer in a area, mess with opicity/scale,contrast, yadda yadda yadda, erase some spots and see what it looks like. Its just something I see that looks cool, like on your last winning entry. I would imagine mostly coming off edges and stuff.

[Dark_Eyes]

Here goes...
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o295/collinsully/CollinSully_IDW20_Final.jpg
The Griffon 1121 troop transport hovercraft is ideal for multi-terrain warfare. It's four, side-mounted turbines allow for increased lift-stability/steering at sea, while converting to hydrolic, shock absorbing wheels for land based missions. This quick conversion makes the 1121 unlike any other hovercraft, expanding maximum range for troop transport and artillery support. The 1121's surface is designed at angles for increased stealth and it's twin cannons, with a firing range of five miles, makes this craft a formidable foe in both sea and land campaigns. Max crew capacity: 50-60

[Flip]

The Dream Walker > Are you going to be able to finish your piece soon or should I just post the poll?

[silliKONe]

the griffon 'Millipede' APC transport is a next generation hovercraft designed to navigate a variety of challenging terrain. each jointed segment is supported by a lift turbine that can be tilted to allow for forward and lateral movement. this allows for flexible navigation capabilities, as well as eliminating the need external drive blades or jet engines, which would be obvious targets for enemy fire. the millipede has two identical 'head' segments - fore and aft - that allow for immediate change of direction. on each are two defensive/offensive hardpoint weapon pods which have near 180 degree movement. because the millipede is designed with components in mind, it can be customized to suit each mission. a typical configuration will be composed of fore and aft drive segments, a communications segment (picture here behind the forward drive component), and anywhere from 1-6 troop segments, which can carry up to 12 soldiers each. each troop segment has two quick-drop assault ramps for rapid deployment of personnel. in development is a medical segment, which will bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to the frontlines.


http://www.simonkono.com/storage/conceptart/idw20_hovercraft.jpg

[Stephan_R]

Goran and SIllikon... stunning work! I love the designs and the renders are amazing! I'll be sure to locate the polls on this one, cheers! :)

[silliKONe]

hey thanks stephan, just finished. phew!

[Legato]

the griffon 'Millipede' APC transport is a next generation hovercraft designed to navigate a variety of challenging terrain. each jointed segment is supported by a lift turbine that can be tilted to allow for forward and lateral movement. this allows for flexible navigation capabilities, as well as eliminating the need external drive blades or jet engines, which would be obvious targets for enemy fire. the millipede has two identical 'head' segments - fore and aft - that allow for immediate change of direction. on each are two defensive/offensive hardpoint weapon pods which have near 180 degree movement. because the millipede is designed with components in mind, it can be customized to suit each mission. a typical configuration will be composed of fore and aft drive segments, a communications segment (picture here behind the forward drive component), and anywhere from 1-6 troop segments, which can carry up to 12 soldiers each. each troop segment has two quick-drop assault ramps for rapid deployment of personnel. in development is a medical segment, which will bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to the frontlines.



love the design, im just wondering how it would move. since its on a frictionless surface, how would it power up hills and slowly move down them?

[silliKONe]

"each jointed segment is supported by a lift turbine that can be tilted to allow for forward and lateral movement."

i drew a quick sketch to illustrate what i was thinking. sorry for it's lameness. the principle is basically the same as a VTOL jet, with most of the thrust providing lift. if it's tilted slightly forward (or back, or to either side) a percentage of that thrust power will go towards propelling it in a direction. obviously, there is a limit to the angle that the nozzle can be tilted, as enough thrust has to be directed down to maintain hovering. with so many indepedent engines (one in each segment), they would have to be coordinated by computers to respond to the pilots need for simple steering. an advantage to this design is the possibility of lateral movement as well as forward & reverse. as with all hovercrafts, there is some friction provided by the skirt. hope this helps to clarify its functions.

http://www.simonkono.com/storage/conceptart/millipede%20explained.jpg