ATF Advanced Tactical Fighters

Before the 90's layoffs, I got to work on some of the systems used in these fighters (Weapons Bay Controllers, need to 'hide' weapons to be 'stealthy'). Bay doors had to open, drop down weapons rack, deploy weapon's weights of 5K lbs or more, and then close, all within 5 secs to minimize the radar signature!

Started with the Navy's going-to-be first stealth fighter, the A-12 Avenger...bet yall never heard of it! ha ha Was canceled by then Sec of Defense Cheney under Bush I. Was a delta wing, carrier-based fighter that was fully stealth. Wasnt a total waste tho, concepts were used in the following ATF fighters YF-22 (built by consortium of Lockheed/Martin/Boeing)and YF-23 Black Widow (built by the consortium of Northrup and McDonnell Douglas), the prototypes for the present generation of air superiority fighter--the F/A-22 Raptor.

2 each of the afore mentioned fighters were built and tested thru 'fly-offs' over several years of development. My group had modified an existing system used in the still black program back then of the B-2 bomber. And, altho our A/C, the YF-22, won the contract, my co.'s system was integrated into other hardware and we didnt get anything out of it in the way of a production contract, other than some R&D $$$. Such is life, and layoffs in the aerospace industry. LOL (The reason the YF-22 won was better maneuverability and tighter turning.)

Just saw a program on THC today and thought some of you might be interested---brought back many memories for me....that long ago?? Geesh!! ha ha

BTW, the hottest air superiority fighter B4 development of the F/A-22 was the F-15 Eagle---nothing could touch it with it's 200 kills and NO losses during it's history! Former F-15 pilots say that the F/A-22 Raptor is like a hot-rod compared to it, since has' thrust vectoring' which allows tight-turns by re-directing the engine exhaust in conjunction with wing controls. (Concept of 'thrust vectoring' was proven on the X-31 Rockwell exp. A/C previously).

A-12 Avenger




XF-23 Black Widow (test A/C)


F/A-22 Raptor

 

Yeah, lived in DFW area for many years back when (Arlington/Plano), and watched the F-111's (first movable wing A/C) and many B-52's fly over. Still miss those B-52's when come thru there---lots of rumble and black smoke! ha ha

Here's a link that I got those pics from: http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-ATF-91.html

(wouldnt paste in here or Wordpad good with the tables)

Lots of general comparision specs, but didnt see Gmax--may be classified?!

 

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