TARKINE
TRANSGLOBAL
The Tarkine story with the plan and layout posters.
The Tarkine Transglobal Plan Poster showing the external configuration of the aircraft.
The Tarkine Transglobal Layout Poster showing the internal configuration of the aircarft.
Inspiration
Tarkine is an interesting design because the world hasn't really produced anything like it. I drew inspiration from the 1930s and the Art Deco movement, particularly the ideas encapsulated by "Streamline Moderne".
I make the bold claim that Tarkine is an Art Deco aeroplane. There are two aeroplanes from that era which I find particularly inspiring and act as points of reference. The first is the so very French Caudron 01c-714R. I get the sense that as a practical fighter it wasn't great. The French also had limited opportunity to develop it during World War II as their country and production facilities were controlled by the Germans after invasion. That said, to me, this looks like a very Art Deco and rather beautiful aeroplane.
The second is the simply stunning English de Havilland DH88 Comet. The first Comet, G-ACSS Grosvenor House, was built specifically for the 1934 England-Australia MacRobertson Air Race from the United Kingdom to Australia. It won that race, crossing the finish line at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, with a time of 70 hours 54 minutes 18 seconds. It remains one of the most spectacular aircraft designs in history, just a beauty.
Art Deco, as a design movement, is hard to pin down. It was never really codified, as there are many different styles that could be called Art Deco. I think it's one of those things that, once you become aware of it, you can recognise it immediately without really knowing why.
Tarkine Transglobal backstory
Development of the Tarkine Transglobal started in the early 1930s with the first prototype flying in the mid 1930s. Following successful trials, twelve aircraft were built at Montaudran, Toulouse. Routes included London-Melbourne, Paris-New York and Paris-Buenos Aires. At the start of World War II all twelve aircraft were pressed into military service as VIP transport aircraft. Their range, reliability and comfort meant that they could avoid aerial combat zones and deliver senior officials to anywhere in the world, relaxed and ready to do business. After the war they served the great intercontinental routes, before being replaced by the first jet liners. The first Tarkine is on display at the Cerulean aircraft museum in Toulouse.
Tarkine Transglobal short story "Streamline Moderne"
Read the Tarkine short story Streamline Moderne. The aircraft designer's sheer act of will to realise his vision of a truly intercontinental clipper, one non-stop flight to anywhere in the world.
Tarkine Transglobal plan
Elegance, efficiency and endurance - the characteristics embraced by the designers of the Tarkine Transglobal. The first aircraft capable of travelling non-stop half way around the globe, bringing every country on Earth within a one flight range. Tarkine is the embodiment of the "lean, clean wing" concept, and its radical design minimises aerodynamic drag while giving its passengers the best views from its luxury accomodation. A craft that sparked the excitement of travel in everybody who saw Tarkine on the ground or in the air.
Tarkine Transglobal layout
Tarkine can accommodate 12 passengers in six staterooms. It has an observation room, a salon, dining room and the Sky Lounge, with the best views in the world. The aircraft has four engines, all of which can be serviced in flight. Four flight crew and four stewards keep the plane operating round the clock when airborne.