Lightning spies (and Mustangs)

[Tophe]

The RP-82B and C were more classical than the standard RP-82 (renamed RP-82A):

[Tophe]

Human hostilities are peanuts compared to...
Ahem, these are the (secret) reco planes installed at Roswell AFB, 1944, inspecting the "true" flying saucers passing over:

(don't be afraid, I see my psychiatrist tomorrow)

[Tophe]

Of course, there was not a single USAAF reco-plane in Roswell. All the last ones were different and asymmetric, like the alien flying saucers (the designers hoped to come near without destruction - the result is still secret...).

[ChernayaAkula]

The "flying saucer" ones are whacky! 

How about a development of the RP-82C: a pusher prop on the cockpit pod, making a triple-engined aircraft. Cockpit I'm not sure whether a P-51-sytle cockpit (with a big nose for cameras, a radar or other armament) or an Ar 234-sytle streamlined cockpit.

[Tophe]

Here are the XRP-82D & 82E, delivered as soon as ordered! (and cheap: 1.99 billion $ each prototype)...

[ChernayaAkula]

Way cool!  :)  Still undecided on the cockpit issue: they both look great! 

[Tophe]

Here are the XRP-82D & 82E, delivered as soon as ordered! (and cheap: 1.99 billion $ each prototype)...

Poor customer, liking both designs but unable to afford both... North American provides the solution, fortunately, the Quadri-Mustang XRP-82F (only $billion 2.99!)

[ChernayaAkula]

  Funeeeee!

[Tophe]

Thanks!

Back to Lightnings, here are ones with just forward observation:

[Tophe]

And ones with backward observation:

[Tophe]

An observer does not need big engines with coolers nor a tail with maneuvrability, just: observation posts

[Tophe]

Triple and Double Droop Snoots are good platforms for observation:

[Volkodav]

I do like one and three, probably one has the edge for me.  Good work.

[Tophe]

Thanks!
And here three-engined versions:

[Volkodav]

 :)