It became clear soon after early exchanges that fleets required a relatively low-speed reconnaissance platform with the ability to hold station for extended periods of time. From these requirements came the Orion, a heavily armoured aerial observation post with a 2-person crew, able to travel extreme distances without resupply.

Featuring ventral armour capacity making it virtually untouchable by attacks from below, the Orion also has a three-tiered viewing capability with a lower, mid-deck and upper ring of viewing platforms. To aid in its defense, the lower viewing platform (doubling as a supply room) was outfitted with impenetrable steel-and-hardwood retractable shutters to be lowered when under attack and raised for panoramic viewing.

This particular Orion has been fitted for the "Heavy/Hazardous" role, having exposed outer lights for improved night visibility, additional armour attached to the mid-deck observation platform and emergency supply and survival combat supplies in case of forced landing. For actual reconnaissance missions in enemy territory, the outer lights would be retracted to leave an unlit exterior. Such a configuration would be the "Heavy/Contact" role, while other configurations with less armour and lighter loading for faster speeds and higher maximum altitudes would receive the "Light/Altitude" designation.

Additional Notes

Inspired by Khanaris' "Airship Fleet" series, in keeping with his traditions all redstone wiring is hidden from view (which was harder than it looked for the shutters, given the limited space and angles). Also as part of tradition all screenshots are taken with the "Dokucraft Light" texture pack.

This was just an experiment, partly to make something that would look nice in a landscape, and as a venture into vertically-oriented building. The envelope was constructed using a mathematical formula converted into minecraft shapes, and I had a lot of fun putting finishing touches with the contents of the chests and the signs. Let me know what you find, or what you think of this project!