General Dynamics Model 44 VFX (F-14 alternative)

[ConnieTheTomcat]

I'm looking for General Dynamics' entry into the Navy's VFX program, I found info on the 303, 225, and the 507 but I can't seem to find anything on General Dynamics. From what I've read on the internet it seems to be a smaller version of the failed F-111B with a large folding vertical stabilizer. If I could get diagrams and pictures it would be great - as well as any information on its development.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

You are looking for the Convair Model 44.

The general VFX topic has some images. If you want more on the Model 44, you should obtain Tony Buttler's American Secret Projects: Fighters and Interceptors, 1945-1978. Its out of print, but there will be a revised edition printed in the future.

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/usn-vfx-competition-alternatives-to-the-f-14.229/

 

[Archibald]

OMG... a baby Tomcat still with a single F-111B fin ! How cute !

 

[ConnieTheTomcat]

You are looking for the Convair Model 44.

The general VFX topic has some images. If you want more on the Model 44, you should obtain Tony Buttler's American Secret Projects: Fighters and Interceptors, 1945-1978. Its out of print, but there will be a revised edition printed in the future.

Thanks, it feels criminal to find all this information for free

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

You are looking for the Convair Model 44.

The general VFX topic has some images. If you want more on the Model 44, you should obtain Tony Buttler's American Secret Projects: Fighters and Interceptors, 1945-1978. Its out of print, but there will be a revised edition printed in the future.

Thanks, it feels criminal to find all this information for free

Well if you really feel like it, you can donate to the forum maintenance fund

 

[Scott Kenny]

Looks like a chubby F-111 (obviously scaled down a bit)

 

[thefrecklepuny]

Looks like F-111 tailplane, engine arrangement and vertical tail mated with F-14 wings and undercarriage.

 

[fightingirish]

FYI, another few pictures showing a Convair Model 44 wind tunnel model during early wind tunnel tests were uploaded at the SDASM Flickr archive today.

https://flic.kr/p/2qCDp3y

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qCDp3y

Due to its inlets, I thought first this picture was showing a McDonnell F-4 FVS Swing Wing wind tunnel model.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

These are very excellent images courtesy of SDASM.

 

[Scott Kenny]

These are very excellent images courtesy of SDASM.

SDASM, the gift that keeps on giving!

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

SDASM, the gift that keeps on giving!

One month is hundreds of photos of random machinery and unidentifiable bits of metal, next a bunch of cool stuff. Real rollercoaster.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

These are very excellent images courtesy of SDASM.

Note the intake design is rather different in these model photos and resembles this GD VFX model posted by @allysonca which has Phantom style intakes and twin vertical tails.

 

[Manuducati]

Some "Super Flogger" vibe from certain angle.

 

[ConnieTheTomcat]

Well if you really feel like it, you can donate to the forum maintenance fund

Hi, this site has helped me so much over the years so I donated a little, I plan to donate every year from now. There's far better stuff on here than any subscription service can provide.

P.S. is there a way to make it automatic?

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Hi, this site has helped me so much over the years so I donated a little, I plan to donate every year from now. There's far better stuff on here than any subscription service can provide.

P.S. is there a way to make it automatic?

Not currently, but I am looking into alternatives to Paypal.

 

[fightingirish]

Hi folks, I will post these pictures showing the Convair Model 44 display model, which were uploaded at the SDASM Flickr Archives on 2025-01-23.

https://flic.kr/p/2qGQPuw

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qGQPuw

https://flic.kr/p/2qGK3UN

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qGK3UN

https://flic.kr/p/2qGK3UC

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qGK3UC

https://flic.kr/p/2qGQS7z

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qGQS7z

https://flic.kr/p/2qGQPye

View: https://flic.kr/p/2qGQPye

Another picture showing artwork was already posted in this topic before.

 

[Pioneer]

Thank you for sharing these photo of the Model 44 desktop model fightingirish.
It would be intriguing to see such a model armed with Aim-54's, as I've only ever seen drawing/pic either clean configuration or as in the case of these pictures, armed with Aim-7's....

Regards
Pioneer