Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!newstop!sun!amdcad!amdcad!military From: v064lnev@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Advanced Tactical Fighter Message-ID: <1991Apr5.091635.7444@amd.com> Date: 3 Apr 91 20:21:49 GMT Sender: military@amd.com Organization: State University of New York at Buffalo Lines: 47 Approved: military@amd.com From: v064lnev@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu Just a few questions on the ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter)? o What exactly is the mission of the ATF? o The Lockheed/General Dynamics YF-22 has vertical thrust vectoring. How much of an improvement in manueverability does this bestow? Is such an improvement in manueverability important considering its mission, and would it improve its effectiveness substantially? o Although both prototype aircraft have been integrated with stealth technology, it is reported that the Northrop YF-23 is more effective in employing this feature than its competitor. Is the difference in effectiveness substantial? o Since both prototype aircraft have internal weapon bays, will this limit weapon capacity? Have these aircraft been designed around new weaponry, or specific existing weaponry? o Although both prototype aircraft have the newly developed ability to super-cruise at about Mach 1.5, it is reported that the top end speed is only about Mach 2.0. Will this pose a significant disadvantage, considering that many modern advesary aircraft usually have a top end speed of about 2.4? o Supposedly, the aircraft which is chosen to be the new Advanced Tactical Fighter for the Air Force will also be adapted for use by the Navy. How successful have such adaptions been in the past with other aircraft? o As both these prototype aircraft are larger than the McDonnell Douglas F-15, would they be acceptable for carrier use? If so, which existing aircraft would the ATF replace concerning carrier use? And which prototype aircraft is most suited for carrier use? o Have either of the prototype aircraft been designated names yet? If so, what are they? o Any opinions or ideas regarding these prototype aircraft? Thanks in advance. -- (Zerxes Bhagalia v064lnev (INTERNET: @UBVMS.cc.buffalo.edu / BIT: @UBVMS.bitnet)