The TU-16 Badger project is one of many Russian military aircraft I’ve been commissioned to create as artwork being used by my client for a novella.
At first glance the TU-16 appears to be a rather straightforward plane to model in 3D. There are many unusual aspects of this plane which made creating the 3D model a challenge, however.
The shape and arrangement of the engine pods, for one, was something of a challenge to execute. Also the landing gear pods, which are located in the wings of the aircraft.
Modeling the aircraft you begin to get a sense of what the designers may have been thinking while creating the plane.
The fuselage is all but complete. The model now has to be “collapsed”, and I’ll begin the process of creating the windscreen glazing for the flight deck and the glazing in the nose of the aircraft.
The glazing for the flight deck, nose, and tail compartments have been cut-out and made clear. I may have to return to the glazing and framing for the flight deck, but I’m otherwise content with the look of the plane. Renderings emailed to the client for approval.
3-7-18:
This variant of the Badger is now complete. Textures were added to suit my client, it was given an appropriately weathered look, and AS-6 missiles were hung on pylons underneath the wings.
The next variant of the Badger will be in a bare metal finish. I look forward to bringing that here soon. Stay tuned!
Matthews Aviation Art 