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originally posted by: mightmight
originally posted by: sqd5driver
Thoughts?
correct in principle
originally posted by: mightmight
a reply to: sqd5driver
You're correct in assuming the Air Force most likley is not the driving player behind certain fastmover efforts. But you're thinking is still too linear.
IMHO
As stated, SHARC is related to the YF-23. However, SHARC was an earlier design, and the YF-23 design was derived from it, though scaled-up and twin engined. Northrop design, Advanced Project (AP-2), begun August 1978, was for an advanced fighter to accompany Tacit Blue on missions. Late 70s/early 80s, Northrop RCS testing involved several different models of different designs - Hawk (ATB/AP-4/& 10), Manta, Whale (AP-1 / aka Shamu / Tacit Blue), and Shark (AP-2).
In this case, there would have been at least 4 prototypes in this Advanced Projects series:
AP-1 — Whale or "Shamu" — TACIT BLUE demonstrator — work begun 1978 — flown February 1982. More: www.secretprojects.co.uk...
AP-2 — Shark (SHARC) — LCF/ATF demonstrator — work begun 1978 — flown late Summer 1981. More: www.secretprojects.co.uk... and www.secretprojects.co.uk...
AP-3 — unidentified vehicle — presumably unmanned (as it was a Ventura Division product) — flown circa 1982?
AP-4 — Hawk— ATB demonstrator — flown?Nothing here to purport the existence of this one.
originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Hansblix
SHARC was a NASA program for a subsonic attack aircraft, while Shark was apparently the nickname given by Northrop for a Northrop program.