Starcrest United x Northrop Grumman
The SCF-53 Switchblade was an experimental fighter created as a joint development between Starcrest United and Northrop Grumman in 1997. Using an airframe derived and designed from the F-14, specifically for this unique wing sweep design, the two companies proposed a design that could both sweep backwards and forwards.
Benefits:
A backwards sweep allows for reduced drag at transonic and supersonic speeds, improving fuel efficiency and top speed.
A forwards sweep allows for improved low-speed agility and STOL operations, making it viable for carrier operations.
Drawbacks:
The Switchblade EVW Program ended up being too complicated for maintenance aboard both US carriers and Starcrest carriers. With the introduction of multi-role fighters, a dedicated naval air defense fighter became irrelevant.
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Predecessor variable swing wing challenge (CLOSED)
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 33.6ft (10.2m)
- Length 51.2ft (15.6m)
- Height 11.2ft (3.4m)
- Empty Weight 17,074lbs (7,744kg)
- Loaded Weight 30,426lbs (13,801kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 6.647
- Wing Loading 90.3lbs/ft2 (440.7kg/m2)
- Wing Area 337.1ft2 (31.3m2)
- Drag Points 4218
Parts
- Number of Parts 127
- Control Surfaces 6
- Performance Cost 698
Those are some teeny wings
@StarcrestUnited this is sick I love stealth bro
Tagging @Willthagoat1111 because it didn't mark this aircraft as a successor for the challenge being hosted
@Mod can you mark this aircraft as a successor to the variable swing wing challenge?