Navy AX and A/F-X projects

[F119Doctor]

Definitely looks like the Lockheed A/F-X proposal. The PW7000 engine nozzles had the reverse chevron trailing edge compared to the F119 nozzles. I don’t know if this was an aerodynamic improvement, or a signature improvement, or both. The longer outside edge of the nozzle flap covers more of the vertical sidewall structure with better alignment when in the optimum position.

 

[donnage99]

Definitely looks like the Lockheed A/F-X proposal. The PW7000 engine nozzles had the reverse chevron trailing edge compared to the F119 nozzles. I don’t know if this was an aerodynamic improvement, or a signature improvement, or both. The longer outside edge of the nozzle flap covers more of the vertical sidewall structure with better alignment when in the optimum position.

I believe in a flightglobal interview, it was mentioned that it was for signature but I can't remember if it was RCS and/or heat signature.

 

[raptor82]

I believe in a flightglobal interview, it was mentioned that it was for signature but I can't remember if it was RCS and/or heat signature.

 

[Hasnnan]

I found this slide in some old Vought material, it at least gives a little hint of the design.

Is there is any 3 view drawing

 

[JimK]

Is there is any 3 view drawing

For all the discussion on this topic, there are surprisingly few engineering drawings or data. The attached is what I surmise to be the alternate design to the McDonnell Douglas / Vought A/X dorsal-intake design discussed and illustrated above. It doesn't have that distinguishing feature and looks rather "ordinary". The report does provide dimensions and performance estimates. Weapon loadouts and weapon bay dimensions and configuration are given. Interestingly, the engines chosen are a variation of the G.E. F414 that would be used in the Super Hornet.

 

[Scott Kenny]

For all the discussion on this topic, there are surprisingly few engineering drawings or data. The attached is what I surmise to be the alternate design to the McDonnell Douglas / Vought A/X dorsal-intake design discussed and illustrated above. It doesn't have that distinguishing feature and looks rather "ordinary". The report does provide dimensions and performance estimates. Weapon loadouts and weapon bay dimensions and configuration are given. Interestingly, the engines chosen are a variation of the G.E. F414 that would be used in the Super Hornet.

A plane the size and weight of an F-14 with the engines of a Super Bug?!?

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Which Super Bug variant has 28,000lb thrust F414 derivative engines? Thats 6,000lb x 2 = 12,000lb more thrust.

Also - it was strike first.

 

[Scott Kenny]

Which Super Bug variant has 28,000lb thrust F414 derivative engines? Thats 6,000lb x 2 = 12,000lb more thrust.

Also - it was strike first.

Super Bug's F414-GE-400 is 13klbs/22klbs, versus this thing's 16klbs/28klbs (and holy crap that's into F100 territory!)

Still a big hecking airframe.

Though 2x28klbs is better for something like that.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Given the mission, probably F414 core with larger fan.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Super Bug's F414-GE-400 is 13klbs/22klbs, versus this thing's 16klbs/28klbs (and holy crap that's into F100 territory!)

Still a big hecking airframe.

Though 2x28klbs is better for something like that.

Its the same thrust as an F-14D has with its F110 engines.

 

[icyplanetnhc (Steve)]

I’d have to imagine that the schematics are, to a degree, notional because the unswept wing trailing edge is not ideal for frontal stealth.

 

[flateric]

A-12 trailing edge was not 'notional', so I doubt that. Just LO approach at the moment based on team's knowledge at the moment, or, more likely, design constraints.

 

[VTOLicious]

IWB is interesting

 

[VTOLicious]

....Just LO approach at the moment based on team's knowledge at the moment, or, more likely, design constraints.

Also, no s-duct.

 

[Ainen]

Also, no s-duct.

Plus 1992(i.e. probably was meant to be operational between SH and F-22 timeline), and HiloloHi mission profile.

It's more or less a SH that should've been.

 

[Sferrin]

Also, no s-duct.

Probably have radar blockers instead.

 

[TomS]

The amount of anhedral in that wing is unexpected. Trying to create maneuverability from an otherwise excessively stable platform?

 

[Ainen]

Wut? More like a phat Hornet.

Very similar from the front, and not only from the front. Largest visual difference is the hump from a deeper IWB and wing dihedral with straight trailing edges really.

 

[SteveO]

IWB is interesting

Yes it is. Possibly a Buccaneer style rotating bay door?

 

[JimK]

Regarding the McDonnell Douglas / Vought Blue Team A/X report: I didn't realize there would be interest in the engine selection. Here are the last two pages showing how the choice was made.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

I was right on the bigger fan. Bypass ratio of 1 is high for a fighter.

 

[icyplanetnhc (Steve)]

Coincidentally, that is a similar thrust class as the canceled F401-PW-400 for the original F-14B, and even has a similar bypass ratio.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Regarding the McDonnell Douglas / Vought Blue Team A/X report: I didn't realize there would be interest in the engine selection. Here are the last two pages showing how the choice was made.

Cheers, Jim.