Vought Model 1600

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Model 1600
Vought Model 1600.jpg
Artist's concept of the Model 1600
Role Carrier-based fighter
Manufacturer Vought / General Dynamics
Status Canceled
Primary user United States Navy (intended)
Developed from General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The Vought/General Dynamics Model 1600 series was a fighter aircraft proposal designed for the United States Navy's (NACF) program. The Model 1600 was a carrier-based derivative of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, but lost to the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.

Development[]

Following the YF-16's victory over the Northrop YF-17 for the U.S. Air Force's ACF competition, General Dynamics decided a navalized variant could also best it in the Navy's (NACF) program. Having no carrier aircraft experience, GD teamed up with Vought (LTV Aerospace), which had designed the successful carrier-capable F-8 Crusader and A-7 Corsair II for the Navy; if selected, Vought would have produced the carrier version of the F-16.[1]

LTV created three concepts for the navalized F-16. The main proposal was the Model 1600, which was based on the Block 10 F-16. It featured structural strengthening, an arrestor hook, and a more robust undercarriage to accommodate the rigors of carrier launch and recovery operations. The Model 1600 employed the Pratt & Whitney F401,[2] but two other powerplant choices were also explored.[3] The Model 1601 had an improved Pratt & Whitney F100, while the Model 1602 used the General Electric F101.[3] The aircraft was to be armed with AIM-7 Sparrow air-air missiles. Launch rails were to be added on the sides of the intakes for AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.[3] However, the Navy preferred a twin-engine aircraft, among other reasons, and on 2 May 1975 it selected the Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-17-based Model 267 proposal, which became the F/A-18 Hornet.[1][4]

Variants[]

Model 1600
A strengthened version of the F-16 Block 10 with carrier arrestor hook and revised nosewheel.[3] It was powered by the Pratt & Whitney F401 (JTF22A-26C) afterburning turbofan.[2][5]
Model 1601
Similar to Model 1600, except equipped with an upgraded Pratt & Whitney F100 (JTF22B-25) afterburning turbofan.[3][5]
Model 1602
Similar to Model 1601, except with a General Electric F101-100 engine,[3] a further enlarged fuselage, and avionics and armament changes.[6]
Model 1602B
Final submission in March 1975; least like the F-16.[7]

Specifications (Model 1600)[]

Data from Secret Projects: Fighters & Interceptors 1945–1978 [5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 52 ft 4 in (16 m)
  • Wingspan: 33 ft 3 in (10.1 m)
  • Wing area: 369 sq ft (34.3 m2)
  • Max takeoff weight: 31,231 lb (14,166 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F401 afterburning turbofan, 18,370 lbf (81.7 kN) thrust dry, 29,360 lbf (130.6 kN) with afterburner

Performance

See also[]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ a b Peacock 1997, p. 54.
  2. ^ a b Thomason 2009, p. 163.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Senior 2003, p. 21.
  4. ^ Buttler 2008, p. 207.
  5. ^ a b c Buttler 2008, p. 208.
  6. ^ Buttler 2008, p. 206.
  7. ^ Thomason 2009, p. 164.

Bibliography[]

  • Buttler, Tony (2008) [First published 2007]. American Secret Projects: Fighters & Interceptors 1945–1978. Hinckley, England, UK: Midland Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85780-264-1.
  • Peacock, Lindsay. On Falcon Wings: The F-16 Story. RAF Fairford, United Kingdom: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises, 1997. ISBN 1-899808-01-9.
  • Senior, Tim. The AirForces Monthly Book of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Stamford, UK: Key Books Ltd, 2002. ISBN 0-946219-60-5.
  • Spick, Mike (2000). The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. Osceola, WI: MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.
  • Thomason, Tommy H. (2009). Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft From Skyraider to Super Hornet 1948–Present. North Branch, MN: Specialty Press. ISBN 978-1-58007-132-1.

External links[]

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