Topspeed,
What would be the military purpose of such a craft (For the sake of the argument, I’m going with the idea that your fantasy would be viable)?
A bomber needs long range, preferably high speed, be able to be on target fast and could theoretically drop bombs from high altitude.
You’re just missing one factor, large props will be large radar reflectors. So, that thing will be shot down long before getting to the target. Possibly already on ascent. So, except for air support ops in low intensity warfare, it will not fly. Dismissed.
Fighters ? You need compact airframes able to withstand a lot of abuse and G forces. Hence, they are overbuilt, and heavy in comparison. They need to be even faster, with good acceleration (ok, some lack those – friendly nudge to the SH here ). Its operating altitude will be from a couple of feet above ground to much higher. So, your idea isn’t applicable here as well.
It leaves you a comms relay, or some observation aircraft. Forget about AEW, the systems themselves will use more power than you can provide.
As others say, you will need nuclear power in a miniaturized way (and again, I’d hate one plane to be shot down anywhere close to me), or some unknown power source/technology for electric combat planes.
Let’s review this thread in 40 years, or if anything changes to make it viable.
Thread closed.
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