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Republic AP-100

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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)

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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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Air Progress History of Aviation Spring 1961 edition
  3. ^ Aviation Week and Space Technology, Lift-Fan Tests Show VTOL Potential. August 8, 1960
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