Republic AP-100
| AP-100 | |
|---|---|
| Role | VTOL attack aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Republic Aviation |
| Status | Canceled project |
The Republic Aviation AP-100 was a project for a VTOL, six-turbojet engined, nuclear capable, strike fighter concept. It had three ducted fans in the centre of its fuselage and tail and was a possible contender for the TFX Program.[1][2][3] The project was designated as a "fighter", but in fact was a tactical attack aircraft capable of delivering a small nuclear bomb. The weight of the aircraft would have been 38,000 lb (17,237 kg) with its engines generating 14,400 lb (6,532 kg) of thrust.
Specifications (AP-100, as designed)
Data from Air Progress, Spring 1961
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot (A variant, 2 in B variant)
- Length: 68 ft (21 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft (11 m)
- Height: 14 ft (4.3 m)
- Wing area: 401 sq ft (37.2 m2)
- Gross weight: 38,000 lb (17,237 kg)
- Powerplant: 6 × General Electric J85 turbojet
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.3
References
- ^ Project Hummingbird (Technical Report) A Technical Summary and Compilation of Characteristics and Specifications on Steep-Gradient Aircraft, Volume 88, April 1961. By United States Federal Aviation Agency. Page 143-144, Figure 175.
- ^ Air Progress History of Aviation Spring 1961 edition
- ^ Aviation Week and Space Technology, Lift-Fan Tests Show VTOL Potential. August 8, 1960