Xianglong Biodrone

Another Orca Biodrone ([link]) modelled on a (probably apocryphal) design mock-up of the Chinese Xianglong UAV ([link]). (I'm a big fan of diamond wings and box wings, obviously.) As biodrones go, I was thinking of this one as a high-altitude and long-range reconnaissance model, which doesn't necessarily preclude an offensive role.

Problems:
- The shape of the craft/creature itself is more "orca" than "biodrone." I was picturing something matching nearly exactly the sleek, next-gen-"Global Hawk" silhouette of the actual Xianlong prototype ([link]).
- I ended up making the shading too consistent over the surface of the entire drawing; the overall value of the drawing is too dark, and there isn't enough variation in value to communicate believable modelling and volume. I tried to compensate for that with some Photoshoppin', but that just made it look patchy and dodged, with those arbitrary and unconvincing "highlights" on the radome nacelle.

I started another line drawing tonight, but that one didn't work out either. : / I'm too tired to give it another try, so here ya go for the moment.