Batplane
From DC Database
Contents |
History
Taking advantage of the resources of WayneTech's various divisions, notably Wayne Aerospace, Bruce Wayne was able to design modified versions of commercial products for use in his crime-fighting career as Batman. Over the course of several years, there have been numerous versions of the Batplane model.
An early model Batplane was a hybrid fighter jet and helicopter (often referred to as Batplane II). When it became necessary to achieve a higher rate of climb, the helicopter assembly folded down into the fuselage of the craft. Like other versions of the Batplane, Batplane II was equipped with a fully-functioning crime lab, and magnesium flares encased inside of the cone.
The current Batplane is a modified Wayne Aviation SlipStream ($46 million sans "extras"). It's detailed to resemble a standard mid-size corporate jet during take-offs and landings. Some of its features and capabilities are as follows:
- At cruising altitude (35,000-45,0000 ft.), telescoping wings retract. Exterior sections of tail and nose-cone envelop cockpit and cabin fuselage for higher altitude pressurization.
- Gaining further altitude (45,000-55,000 ft.) delta fins in the tail and snub winglets elongate to increase efficiency and stability as speeds approach supersonic.
- At ceiling altitudes (55,000-60,000 ft.) "smart" paint on exterior radar-shielding ceramics responds to dropping air pressure and temperature, thus camouflaging the Batplane's exterior to stealthy black.
- Avionics include ergonomic "at-a-glance" viewing levels for all electronics and multifunction displays. The breakaway canopy allows for pilot/co-pilot emergency ejection. The reinforced acrylic glass canopy windows polarize at stealth altitude.
Characteristics
Dimensions:
- Height: 14.5 ft.
- Length: 57.7 ft.
- Wingspan: 47.6 ft. - The wings are protected by a bleed-air anti-icing system.
Weight (unloaded, including fuel): xxx lbs (xxx kg)
Weight (at maximum capacity): xxx lbs (xxx kg)
Maximum Cargo: xxx lbs (xxx kg)
Miscellaneous
The following specifications apply to the current model, the Wayne Aviation SlipStream.[1]
Altitude Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Maximum Speed: 4,400 mph
Range: 2,486 n m
Take-Off Distance: 5,230 ft.
Landing Distance: 2,984 ft.
Payload: 2,670 lb.
Refueling Time: 7.8 minutes
On-Board Equipment: No known on-board equipment.
On-Board Weaponry: The original Earth-Two version of the Batplane, as well as the Batwing version from the Batman movie were equipped with machine guns.
Notes
- The original concepts for the Batplane were conceived by writer Bill Finger and designed by artist Bob Kane.
- Although the Batplane is Batman's preferred means of aerial transportation, he has also made use of the Batgyro, the Whirly-Bat, the Batcopter, and most recently, the Batrocket.
Trivia
- In the first Batman movie, the Batplane was known as the "Batwing". Batman used it to gather up a supply of over-sized helium balloons filled with the Joker's deadly Smilex gas. He then used the Batwing's machine guns in an effort to stop the Joker, but the villain produced an extremely high-powered handgun, which blew the craft out of the sky, forcing it to crash onto the steps of Gotham Cathedral.[2]
- Batman once staged a fake Batplane crash in Gorilla City, in order to rescue two scientists, John and Mary Tate, who had been kidnapped by Gorilla Grodd. [3]
See Also
Links and References
Recommended Readings
Related Articles
References
Footnotes
- ↑ Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight
- ↑ Batman; Tim Burton, 1989
- ↑ Batman, book-n-record set; Power Records, 1977
