Anyone out there interested in experimental and prototype fighters? If so what is the one A/C you wish had made the cut? I’m a little partial to the Martin Baker MB5 and the Bell XP-77.
The one I would have liked to have seen produced and used operationally is the XP-47J. The XP-47J was the first prop-driven aircraft to break 500 mph in level flignt, accomplishing that feat in August of 1944. Unfortunately, the “J” would have required 70% new tooling and Republic just did not have the time to do it. I think that Republic even considered introducing “J” features into the production line gradually, but it never happened.
There’s a few I would have like to see going a bit further (for some, I’m actualy glad they did not though!)…
in WWII, the Japanese Kyushu Shinden and the French Arsenal VG33. A bit later, the French Grifon, the Trident and the amazing Coleoptere, then the Republic XF-103, the YF-12 (interceptors, not fighters, I know), the TSR2, the Avro Arrow, and more recently, the Mirage 4000…
The list could go on…
F-20 Tigershark. From a cold start to 35,000 feet in under two minutes. It would have made a perfect aircraft for the Navy and Air Force aggressor squadrons. But, the AF didn’t want it as it was in direct competition to the F-16.
Have to agree with Berny, the F-20 was a phenominal aircraft. It out performed the F-16 in most all categories, but we already had the F-16 and weren’t going to replace it. Unforunately this also killed the foreign sales for Northrup. Besides Any civilian bird with an “N” number that has guns, carries missiles, and can drop bombs is OK in my book.
Three votes for the F-5G/F-20 Tigershark. As a second choice… wanna list? [:p]
Okay, how about the IAI Lavi?
Fade to Black…
Even though I like the “electric Jet”, I would have to agree w/ Blackwolf and Eagle334[:p]
Also didn’t they pick the Falcon because it was a disposable a/c plus it was cheaper to mfg.
Flaps up,Mike
Butz,
It isn’t that the F-16 was necessarily cheaper to mfg. but the support and maintenance equipment was already in place for F-16, a fact which made them cheaper overall, even though the unit cost of an F-16 is higher than that of an F-20. When the F-20 came along the F-16 was already in its role as an air superiority/combat support fighter, but it was competing with the F-20 for slots in the ANG and foreign air forces. The USAF deemed it would save money to just produce more F-16s and rotate the older stock to the ANG and keep newer A/Cs in the active inventory. Instead of updating all of the maintenance and support equipment to handle the F-20. Even though it was a superior fighter.
N.
NWilliams,
Right On!
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nwilliams,
Your correct…!!! I did not write it correctly the first time around’
Flaps up,Mike
The F-20 was an amazing aircraft and really showed the adaptability of its F-5 lineage, it should have gone further than it did.
As a Canadian, the Avro Arrow certainly holds a special place and should have gone through as well.
I heard recently that the Sukhoi Berkut program had been cancelled or put on indefinite hold, if either is the case, that would also be a shame. That is a trully phenomenal and revolutionary aircraft that deserves a service life.
nwilliams. I didn’t see your choice. Was it the F-8U-3 Crusader lll? [:D] [:D] [:D] [;)]
How about the YF-17 or YF-23?
The YF-17 for all intents and purposes became the the F-18, MDD just corrected the problems Northrop had after the fly off. The YF-23 is just plain ugly. [:)]
Berny,
Y’know, I back you up on the UH-1 and this is the thanks I get. By the way how does that unit patch look glued to your new Phantom model, I can’t wait to see pics.[:p]
My pick for the best experimental/prototype fighter is the YF-23. I know, I know, its performance test were lacking. I think the airframe was just a bit ahead of the avionics. But it had that quality that so few fighters do, it was beautiful and intimidating all at once. Plus I am partial to all Northrop A/C, Jack Northrop was a true pioneer. His biography is amazing, the contributions he made to the aircraft industry are without equal.
N.
nwilliams. I’m going to let you be the trend setter. You do it first so I can see how it comes out. [;)]
Well, Looks like I’m not the only one who picked the YF-23! [:D]Weren’t the YF-17 and 18 totally different aircraft?
I always thought the Shinden was cool. Very unique looking aircraft.
Turns out the USA had a rear engine,swept-wing fighter like the Shinden called the XP-55. It flew two years before the Shinden.
Shinden:
XP-55:
For a bunch of WWII era expeirmental fighters check out:
EAGLE334!
BLASPHEMY I SAY!
How dare you call the YF-23 UGLY! [:(!] SHAME on you! [:0] I sentence you to go to the box, without the other guys, and feel shame for two minutes. Then you can go free… [;)][:p][;)][:p]
I think we should get double cheese and pepperoni on the pizza, don’t you? [:D]
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Blackwolf
I think thats going to be up to Dave. After all, he’ll probably be buying it. [:o]