Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!cbnews!cbnews!military From: berenson@cookie.enet.dec.com (Deer, Dogs, and Runners: What are the favorite foods of Mountain Lions? 07-Feb-1991 1017) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: SUPERTOMCAT/ATF Message-ID: <1991Feb8.021447.21077@cbnews.att.com> Date: 8 Feb 91 02:14:47 GMT Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker) Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories Lines: 26 Approved: military@att.att.com From: "Deer, Dogs, and Runners: What are the favorite foods of Mountain Lions? 07-Feb-1991 1017" The YF-22 and YF-23 are both intended as air-superiority fighters, not attack craft. They are not appropriate as an A-12 replacement. There is a NATF program to adopt the selected fighter for Navy use as a replacement for the F-14. Grumman has proposed the SuperTomcat as an alternative, claiming near ATF capability at far less cost, in a proven carrier-capable aircraft. I can never remember which is which, but recent reports have the Lockheed teams aircraft within the weight guidelines for adaptation to carrier use, while the Northrup aircraft is too heavy. If the Air Force goes with Northrup, then the SuperTomcat proposal probably will proceed. Grumman has been working on an A-6G as an interim to the A-12. It was cancelled a couple of years ago as the A-12 was going along so well. Now that we've discovered the A-12 progress was a hoax, and have cancelled that, perhaps the Navy will look at the A-6G (or some other advanced A-6 variant) again. Another alternative would be an upgraded F/A-18 that could take on the long range, night/all-weather, attach mission. ............................................................................. Hal Berenson berenson@cookie.enet.dec.com -- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are my own, not my employer's! --