posted on Jul, 24 2003 @ 09:55 AM
Can someone borrow me $35 mil?
From Site:
The F-26 STALMA (Short Takeoff Advanced Light Multi-role Aircraft) is an advanced, sixth generation multi-role fighter suitable for Direct
Commercial Sales to U.S. and NATO/allies. Designed to replace F-16C and F/A-18C/E combat aircraft in U.S. and NATO air arms, the F-26 is a single
seat, single engine, high performance weapon system incorporating variable geometry, supercruise, pitch/yaw thrust vectoring, integrated avionics,
enhanced agility and low observability characteristics. Conceived for maximum performance and combat capability, the F-26 is designed for all-weather,
supersonic operation at both low and high altitudes. Optimized for air-to-air interception, combat air patrol, air dominance, close-in air-to-air
engagements ('dogfight'), carrier air defense, anti-shipping strike, wild weasel/anti-radiation strike, all weather precision attack, interdiction,
battlefield close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, tactical reconnaissance, conventional bombing and tactical nuclear penetration, the
F-26 STALMA will counter threats to US and NATO allied air superiority.
Addressing a projected market need for over 6,000 multi-role fighter aircraft during the first quarter of the 21st century, the F-26 STALMA is
anticipated to gain a 15% market share upon introduction. With a unit flyaway price in the $35 million class, Stavatti will begin manufacture of the
F-26 in 2007 at an annual production rate of 100 units. Total program revenues are again estimated at $54.3 billion.
The aircraft will be produced in single place multi-role fighter (F-26A) and two-place tandem strike fighter/instructional trainer (F-26B) variants.
The aircraft primary structure is conventional aluminum, titanium and stainless steel alloys in sheet or extruded form. Carbon fiber, aramid,
thermoset and thermoplastic composites are employed as secondary structures. Approximately one third of the airframe consists of conventional alloy
construction while two thirds of the airframe consists of composite construction by volume.
The aircraft is designed for an operational service life of 15,000 hours, accumulating an average of 500 hours per annum. Aircraft fatigue life is
based upon 18,000 landings and fatigue testing to 75,000 hours. Service life of carrier variants includes 4,000 catapult launches and 4,000 traps. The
airframe will exhibit load limits of +15/-6 to 27,850 lbs design gross weight and +9/-3 to 60,750 lbs maximum gross weight. Ultimate load factors are
1.5 times design load factors.
Other Facts:
-Clean F-26 RCS is on the order of 6 x 10-6 sq. m. The plane it's replacing (F-16) has an RCS of 2 to 2.5 sq. m.
-Originally competed for US Multi Role Fighter Project contract in '94 (canceled in favor of JSF program)
-variable wing sweep 5-70 degrees