The AST.403 and BAE P.96

[Stratodesigner]

I came across this fascinating drawing from the Evolution of the Eurofighter thread.

My interest in this aircraft is a little unusual. I am in the process of building a micro (1:48 scale) flying model of a swept wing aircraft. Originally based on the SU-27, due to weight considerations I changed the design to a single-engined model with an underside intake.

I was surprised to come across a drawing that was quite similar to the 3D model I developed as a basis for the design. The appearance of the AST.403 is quite unusual and would make an impressive sight in the air.

The search for information on the concept has yielded few results: data on dimensions are not available at all, so I decided to make some educated guesses and post the results here along with the 3D model that I created, in the hope of adding useful information concerning this seemingly amazing aircraft design.

 

[Stratodesigner]

First, an estimate of dimensions. The sidewinder missile, assuming it is that, is 0.9 cm long in the image, and the length of the aircraft without the pitot tube is 4.5 cm, making it 5 times the length of the missile. Assuming the missile is 2.86 metres in length,
the length of the aircraft will be 14.3 metres.

The other dimensions are difficult to obtain, however, by creating a 3D model and rotating it to match the same angle of shown in the image, then rotating it so I can view it from the top, I think I can obtain the dimensions of the aircraft.

 

[Stratodesigner]

There is this information: (less sweep on the wings)

https://www.aereo.jor.br/2010/05/23/amx-supersonico/

https://www.alamy.com/a-three-view-...-brough-project-to-ast403-image504795302.html
Apparently documents are held by the national archives.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11446018

 

[Stratodesigner]

Using the 3-view drawing, and the 10ft scale, the length works out to 13.9 metres, which is close to the initial estimate.

Can anyone explain the difference in wing sweep between the drawings and the 3-views?

Looks about 60 degrees in the artists impression, about the same as the Mirage III. Measured at 50 degrees sweep on my 3D model vs 35 or so on the drawing.

 

[Stratodesigner]

"P.96 to AST.403" A more detailed, nicer view, similar to the 3D model I created. (Image on the right).

Details:

https://www.key.aero/forum/modern-m...er-bae-design-studies-p-96-p-106-p-110-or-aca

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

I'd just point out the P.96 isn't in any way the same design as you posted.

 

[Stratodesigner]

The P.96 is the leftmost picture in this post?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/th...kf-90-ast-396-ast-403-and-more.169/post-24680

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

The P.96 is the leftmost picture in this post?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/th...kf-90-ast-396-ast-403-and-more.169/post-24680

This, yes. Distinctive features are the swept wing and the large LERX.

 

[hesham]

Hi,

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=52010.0

 

[Stratodesigner]

With developments in AI image generation, I was eager to try this: an instagram post mentioned that ChatGPT could create 3D images from a single image, different views of the object shown in the picture.

I tried this out with the "AST.403" image that I have included here (under fair use).

The other images are created by ChatGPT today. Judge for yourself, pretty close I would think.

 

[Stratodesigner]

Once again, ChatGPT to the rescue. I used the P.96 image above and generated a 3-view.

I will upload a picture and could you generate an engineering top, side and front view of the airplane from that?

I really do hope this is not seen as a threat to any illustrators here, as can be seen there are some inaccuracies in the tail area overlap, however it is useful. If anyone has any concerns about the use of AI in this way, please message me: there are many drawings on this forum that have no seen any attempt to convert to 3 views or shaded illustrations. ChatGPT might just enhance the communication images.

 

[Hood]

Useful for what? The 3-view is laughably poor. None of these - even the 3D view - are not even close to the real thing.
There is no substitute to drawing or 3D modelling by human hand.