Lockheed's Boeing Killers: The Dash 600/Starcatcher Family (AU)

[The_Sprinklez]

Lockheed's Boeing Killers: The Dash 600/Starcatcher Family (AU)

Background:
Several years ago, I posted a slapdash attempt at a larger twin-engine Lockheed L-1011 Tristar concept. Based on the Dash 600 (a real concept for a twin derivative of the L-1011), I had stretched the fuselage in a weird way and included engines that were both unavailable at the new aircraft's supposed launch and were overkill for the aircraft itself.

At the behest of Sareva/Shibe, I began the process of redrawing my concept from scratch using the increased knowledge I've gained in the three-ish years since the last attempt.


Teaser Drawings:
As a teaser for the full upcoming set of drawings, I'll begin with a notional Dash 600 in service with Eastern Air Lines:


Additionally, a teaser image of the L-2000-100 Starcatcher itself:


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Additionally, if this is something people are actually interested in seeing more of, please reply and let me know.

[BB1987]

You have my attention.

[Sp3ctra_star]

I do want to see more. I am curious to see more of the Dash-600/Starcatchers.

[The_Sprinklez]

L-1011-600 Bistar/Dash 600

IRL Background:
Lockheed's first foray into a twin-engine Tristar derivative began in 1973 with the CL-1600. Evolving into the Dash 600 by the late 1970s, the aircraft was part of a scheme of Tristar variants which included the unbuilt -300 (further stretched), -400, and -500F Freighter. Ultimately, in our timeline, none of these aircraft were built.

AU Background
With seating for 175-200 passengers, depending on class configuration, and a range of over 2,700 nautical miles, the Dash 600 first flew in in late 1983. Orders came in from a handful of operators, all also L-1011 operators, including Air Canada, Eastern, Delta, Pan Am, and TWA. Deliveries began in early 1985, with Eastern taking delivery of their first aircraft in late January. While not as popular as the Tristar itself, the Dash 600 provided useful engineering and market data which would pave the way for a full series of twin-engine airliners in the future. Ultimately only a little over 30 Dash 600s would be built, with the last passenger aircraft being withdrawn in the mid-2000s as new narrowbody aircraft took their place. Two Dash 600s were converted into freighters for Arrow Air, flying in that capacity until 2006.

Dash 600 Blank (w/gear)


Air Canada


Delta Air Lines


Eastern Air Lines


Pan American World Airways

Used for Internal German Service (IGS) between West Germany and West Berlin.

Trans World Airlines


Arrow Air/Arrow Cargo

[acelanceloet]

Why are the windows dirty?
I personally think the contrast between shades should be a tad lower.

Other then that, love these!

[The_Sprinklez]

Why are the windows dirty?

They are not. Previous Airliners that I have posted have drawn criticism for having a detailed cockpit (pilot, seat, instrument panel) but plain color cabin windows. What you are referring to are various forms of interior details such as seats, passengers, and window shades/curtains.

[acelanceloet]

I personally don't think the interior of the cockpit should be visible on these either, and the stuff behind the other windows just makes it look messy. It doesn't fit well with the black outlined style of the rest.

[The_Sprinklez]

I personally don't think the interior of the cockpit should be visible on these either, and the stuff behind the other windows just makes it look messy. It doesn't fit well with the black outlined style of the rest.

Regardless, it's the style I've chosen to use and therefore I'm keeping it consistent between the cockpit and cabin windows.

[LEUT_East]

I love the design and to me these look so much better than the Boeing 737.

[DeadRight]

I love the design and to me these look so much better than the Boeing 737.

I agree it looks better than the 737, but I'm not sure if that's what this proposal would be competing against, likely more of a 767 competitor.