Hugh Harkins

Xfv-12: Thrust-Augmented Wing V/STOL Fighter Concept Hugh Harkins

XFV-12Conceived in the early 1970's, the Rockwell International XFV-12A was an evolution of research efforts aimed at bringing to fruition a supersonic fighter aircraft capable of conducting V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing) operations from the deck of a surface vessel or terrestrial base. A major goal for the XFV-12A research aircraft program, employing thrust augmented wing technology to achieve vertical lift, was to produce a practical design endowed with a relatively benign V/STOL footprint. The volume details the genesis of the XFV-12A program through static and dynamic hover testing of the prototype air vehicle at the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Langley Research Centre Impact Dynamic Research Facility to the redevelopment program that spawned the XFV-12B and XFV-12C designs. These latter designs did not proceed beyond the drawing board prior to the XFV-12 programs ultimate cancellation in 1981. Post XFV-12 cancellation, Rockwell International was contracted by NASA Ames Research Center to conduct design studies into aerodynamic technology for a single-cruise engine V/STOL fighter/attack aircraft, building on work conducted during the XFV-12 program - this work was conducted in the period June 1981 to February 1982. The volume is supported by photographs, renderings, technical drawings and specification charts from the aircraft designer and research institutions. At times there has been a deliberate switch from metric measurements to the fore and imperial measurements secondary to imperial to the fore and metric secondary. This has been done to ensure 100% accuracy in primary measurement reporting from respective designer/research organisations, whereas secondary measurements may, at times, be rounded up or down.