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From: nobody@Kodak.COM (Rick Lafford (x37825))
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: A-12
Message-ID: <1990Dec22.034337.24487@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 22 Dec 90 03:43:37 GMT
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Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
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From: nobody@Kodak.COM (Rick Lafford (x37825))
Reply-To: lafford@serum.kodak.com

Re: the SR-71/A-12 discussion

In this discussion, everyone is right. Lockheed did indeed build
a prototype attack version of the SR-71 called the YF-12A which 
was to carry four Genie missiles in internal bays behind the nose
gear. Oops - I didn't mean "attack" but interceptor. The Genie was
an air-to-air missile.

Re: the "new" A-12

The prototype has indeed flown and underwhelmed most of the 
uninvolved observers. Just kidding folks. I believe the
first flight is scheduled for early 1992 but you know how 
those things go. "The schedule is dependent on funding
levels." Schedule calls for flight tests through 1995, 
with initial sea trials commencing in early 1993.
Crew training is to start in late 1994 with the opevaluation
in mid-1995. The first operational groups will be west
coast based.

The navy is also looking at an air-to-air version of the
A-12 which would work with F-14D's already in the fleet.

Stats on the A-12 are:
Span: 70 ft. (wings folded 34' and F-14 is 33.3' folded and 
		the A-6 is 25.3')
Length: 37'
Wing area: 1300 sq/ft (F-14 565, A-6 529)
Wetted area is roughly the same due to the shape of the F-14.

Estimated Payload (all internal): 40% greater than A-6E
Estimated Range: 80% greater than A-6E
Time to Accel: 33% less than A-6E
		This with no stores attached to A-6.
Max. Instantaneous and sustained turn rates are estimated to be
higher than the F/A-18 or A-6E except for the F/A-18 with burners
on.
Power: Two non-afterburning F404 derivatives.

Source: October 1990 Aviation Week


Regarding the microprocessors in the F-16:

If you count all the avionics equipment, I wouldn't be surprised
if there are more than 100 micros in the F-16. I believe that
the flight control system depends on three independent control
computers. Anyone out there know fore sure?

	....I know nuting, nuting!!! - Schultz

Rick Lafford
Eastman Kodak
** Nobody asks me how to run the place, I just work here.**