FUCK YEAH CRIMSON SKIES

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

‘Crimson Skies’

[PC] [USA] [Magazine] [2000]

Computer Gaming World, September 2000 (#194)

The oddest and most unconventional contender - probably for any aerial competition - was the Piaggio-Pegna PC.7.  The floatplane (or should we call it a ‘foilplane’?) was built for the 1929 Schneider Trophy contest. A cantilever high-wing monoplane with long slender fuselage, it had twin hydrofoils instead of floats and was intended to float with the wing resting on the surface of the water.

The PC.7, designed by Giovanni Pegna, was intended to float deep in the water, with the wings resting on the surface. The engine (723kW Isotta Fraschini Special V.6) had an extra shaft and clutch controlling a water-screw at the back. The plan was for the aircraft to first operate using the water-screw and a lower rudder - like a boat. As it gained speed, the hydrofoils would generate lift and raise the aircraft, clearing the main engine/propeller above the water. The pilot would then switch to conventional controls, and the main engine clutch would be engaged… 

Without the aerodynamic drag induced by floats or the weight they added to an aircraft, Pegna projected that the P.7 would reach high speeds. Sources differ on the speeds he predicted, claiming both 580 km/h (360 mph) and 700 km/h (434.7 mph).

Curtiss-Wright P-55 Defender

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Developed as a fast interceptor the Defender uses two V-12 engines mounted to the airframe in a tandem fashion, this rather unusual design immensely reduces the aircraft’s drag. The P-55 can be pushed to a respectable 450 mph at sea level, not to mention its insane climb rate and acceleration. Poor low-speed performance and a comparatively high stall speed encourage pilots to keep the throttle open for the duration of the flight.

The Defender comes armed with four .70cal cannons mounted to the wing roots as well as one 37mm autocannon mounted to the nose. With such a heavy armament the P-55 comes with very little ammunition.

All of the above factors make the P-55 an energy fighter more than anything else.

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Today needs some cheering up.