Ling-Temco-Vought L450F

L'unique avion d'observation discrète Ling-Temco-Vought L450F vu sur Wikipedia.en

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The LTV L450F, also known as the 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.

Design and development

Developed as a follow on to the Igloo White program, the L450F was intended to provide a quiet reconnaissance and communications relay aircraft.

Under a $1 million USD contract by LTV Electrosystems, the L450F was developed from a Schweizer SGS 2-32 sailplane, modified by Schweizer to LTV's specifications.

These modifications included stronger wing spars, thicker wing skin, installation of a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine driving a three-bladed propeller, and main landing gear based on that of the Grumman Ag-Cat agricultural aircraft.

An alternative configuration, using a piston engine, was also proposed.

The prototype L450F first flew in February 1970, but was destroyed during its third flight, on 23 March that year, the pilot successfully bailing out.

A second prototype was then completed and flown, successfully completing the testing program, and a third prototype was ordered as the unmanned XQM-93 drone, under the Compass Dwell project.

Four examples of the XQM-93 were contracted for by the United States Air Force, however the Compass Dwell project was subsequently cancelled.

Operational history

March 27, 1972 Donald R. Wilson reached the altitude of 15 456 m (50 708 ft) in horizontal flight on board of the L450F registered N2450F, setting a new Fédération Aéronautique Internationale international record, Class C-1c, Group II (Powered aeroplanes, take off weight 1000 to 1750 kg, turboprop).

This record was still valid as of March 27, 2012.

Specifications (prototype)

Data from Janes

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


Cruising speed: 105 mph; 169 km/h (91 kn)

Range: 5,996 mi; 9,649 km (5,210 nmi)

Endurance: 24-30 hours

Service ceiling: 52,000 ft (15,850 m)

Maximum glide ratio: 28:1

Rate of climb: 2,600 ft/min (13 m/s)

Bibliography


Taylor, John W.R. (ed.) Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1971-1972. London: Sampson Low Marston & Co, 1971. ISBN 0 354-000-942.

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