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On this page I'll describe each member of my family. Here's an example of a format I might use.
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YF-17 PROTOTYPE.
In the early 1970s the Air Force pressed for development of a new generation of lightweight fighters-single-seat jet aircraft
"optimized" for agility and air combat maneuvering, with high thrust-to-weight ratios (above 1 to 1), and good acceleration.
Out of this interest came the so-called "Lightweight Fighter" program. In January 1972, the Lightweight Fighter Program solicited
design specifications from several American manufacturers. Participants were told to tailor their specifications toward the
goal of developing a true air superiority lightweight fighter. General Dynamics and Northrop were asked to build prototypes,
which could be evaluated with no promise of a follow-on production contract. These were to be strictly technology demonstrators.
The two contractors were given creative freedom to build their own vision of a lightweight air superiority fighter, with only
a limited number of specified performance goals. Northrop's entry was derived from the Cobra design. Northrop produced the
twin-engine YF-17 using breakthrough aerodynamic technologies and two high-thrust General Electric YJ101 engines. General
Dynamics countered with the compact YF-16, built around a single F100 engine.
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F-15 STRIKE EAGLE
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the
Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.
The Eagle's air superiority is achieved
through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense
and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track
and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems
are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat
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F-18 HORNET
All-weather fighter and attack aircraft. The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet is the nation's first strike-fighter. It
was designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter
capabilities. With its excellent fighter and self-defense capabilities, the F/A-18 at the same time increases strike mission
survivability and supplements the F-14 Tomcat in fleet air defense. F/A-18 Hornets are currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons from air stations world-wide,
and from 10 aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron proudly flies them. The Hornet comprises the aviation strike force for seven foreign customers including Canada, Australia,
Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.
The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort,
reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike. Compared to the
original F/A-18 A through D models, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability/lethality
and improved carrier suitability. [Capability of precision-guided munitions: JDAM (all variants) and JSOW. JASSM in the future
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AV-8B HARRIER
The AV-8B V/STOL strike aircraft was designed to replace the AV-8A and the A-4M light attack aircraft. The Marine Corps
requirement for a V/STOL light attack force has been well documented since the late 1950's. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness,
reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well-suited to the
special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65 Radar common to the F/A-18,
as well as all previous systems and features common to the AV-8BII.
The mission of the VMA STOVL squadron is to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct
other such air operations as may be directed. Specific tasks of the AV-8B HARRIER II include:
- Conduct close air support using conventional and specific weapons.
- Conduct deep air support, to include armed reconnaissance and air interdiction, using conventional and specific weapons.
- Conduct offensive and defensive antiair warfare. This includes combat air patrol, armed escort missions, and offensive
missions against enemy ground-to-air defenses, all within the capabilities of the aircraft.
- Be able to operate and deliver ordnance at night and to operate under instrument flight conditions.
- Be able to deploy for extended operations employing aerial refueling.
- Be able to deploy to and operate from carriers and other suitable seagoing platforms, advanced bases, expeditionary airfields,
and remote tactical landing sites.
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