Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Prototypes and Experimental (Research Aircraft)
Manufacturer: General Dynamics, Boeing
General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Aircraft Overview
The General Dynamics-Boeing AFTI (Advanced Fighter Technology Integration) is an experimental aircraft designed to test and demonstrate advanced fighter technologies. The program was initiated in the 1980s by the United States Air Force, and the AFTI was built by General Dynamics with contributions from Boeing and other contractors.
The AFTI was based on a modified F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet and incorporated a number of advanced technologies, including fly-by-wire flight controls, advanced avionics, and stealth features. The aircraft was also equipped with a variety of experimental weapons systems and sensors.
The AFTI program was used to evaluate the performance and capabilities of advanced fighter technologies, including weapons systems, avionics, and flight controls. The program also provided valuable data on the use of stealth technology in combat aircraft.
The AFTI program was terminated in the early 1990s, and the aircraft is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 75 ft 6.5 in (23.03 m)
- Wingspan: 59.07 ft (18.00 m)
- Height: 17 ft 0.5 in (5.19 m)
- Wing area: 623.2 sq ft (57.90 m2) spread, 605.8 sq ft (56.28 m2) swept
- Airfoil: Boeing Advanced Transonic Airfoil
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 turbofan engines, 12,000 lbf (53 kN) thrust each dry, 18,500 lbf (82 kN) with afterburner
