Operation Social Gathering

This concept painting is the first in series depicting the use of artificial intelligence drones in military scenarios.
This is my concept for a sub-orbital A.I. spy drone, named "FENNEC SIX". The drone is covered in heat resistant tiles and uses Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters while in orbit. This drone would be a "typical" aircraft employed in the US SPACE FORCE fleet to maintain orbital superiority. The model was created quickly without a lot of detail.
This image is a callback to some stuff I used to read about in the magazine, "INTERNATIONAL COMBAT ARMS" which fascinated me as a kid. My favorite cover of "ICA" featured a John Berkey illustration of a futuristic hydrofoil Navy ship. I also loved the John Batchelor cutaway illustrations in the magazine. RIP John Berkey. RIP John Batchelor. RIP International Combat Arms.
© Leon Gor