LTV L450F
| L45ØF | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Reconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ling-Temco-Vought |
| First flight | February 1970 |
| Primary user | U.S. Air Force |
| Developed from | Schweizer SGS 2-32 |
| Developed into | LTV XQM-93 |
The LTV L45ØF was a prototype quiet reconnaissance aircraft, developed by Ling-Temco-Vought in the late 1960s for use in the Vietnam War by the United States. Based on the airframe of a Schweizer 2-32 sailplane, the aircraft flew in 1970, and was developed into the XQM-93 reconnaissance drone before the project was cancelled.
Development
Developed as a followon to the Igloo White program, the L45ØF was intended to provide a quiet reconnaissance and communications relay aircraft.[1] Developed under a $1 million USD contract by LTV Electrosystems, the L45ØF was developed from a Schweizer SGS 2-32 sailplane, modified by Schweizer to LTV's specifications.[1]
These modifications included strengthing of the wing spars, a thicker metal skin for structural strengthening, installation of a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine driving a three-bladed propeller, and tricycle landing gear based on that of the Grumman Ag-Cat agricultural aircraft.[1] An alternative configuration, using a piston engine, was also proposed.[1]
Flight testing
The prototype L45ØF first flew in February 1970, and on its third flight, on 23 March that year, was destroyed in a crash,[1] the pilot successfully bailing out.[2] A second prototype was then completed and flown,[1] successfully completeing the testing program,[2] and a third prototype was ordered as the unmanned XQM-93 drone, under the Compass Dwell project.[2] Four examples of the XQM-93 were contracted for by the United States Air Force, however the Compass Dwell project was subsequently cancelled.[2]
Specifications (prototype)
Data from [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Length: 29 ft (8.8 m)
- Wingspan: 57 ft (17 m)
- Empty weight: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,600 lb (2,087 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 2,300 pounds (1,000 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-29 , 778 shp (580 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell
Performance
- Cruise speed: 105 mph (169 km/h, 91 kn)
- Range: 6,000 mi (9,650 km, 5,210 nmi)
- Endurance: 24-30 hours
- Service ceiling: 52,000 ft (16,000 m)
- Maximum glide ratio: 28:1
- Rate of climb: 2,600 ft/min (13 m/s)
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Taylor, John W.R. (ed.) Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1971-1972. London: Sampson Low Marston & Co, 1972. ISBN 354-000-942.