Seven major US contractors are engaged in design activity in response to the USAF's statement of a requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). One or more will be selected eventually to proceed towards full-scale engineering development for an IOC in 1995. (Shown) One of the Grumman designs

Проект истребителя ATF фирмы «Рокуэлл»

Seven major US contractors are engaged in design activity in response to the USAF's statement of a requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). One or more will be selected eventually to proceed towards full-scale engineering development for an IOC in 1995. (Shown) A McDonnell Douglas generic configuration.

Проект истребителя ATF фирмы «Боинг»
The Boeing Company has released this illustration of an ATF concept. The requirement is for an aircraft that will achieve Mach = 2.5 or better, will accelerate from Mach=0.8 to 1.8 in 50 sec at 30,000 ft (9150 m), will be able to sustain 9 g in a turn for up to 30 sec and have an instantaneous turn rate of better than 12 deg/sec at above Mach = 1 at 40.000ft (12200 m).

Boeing moved a step back to the future with this early ATF design incorporating a coupled delta-canard configuration but with an unstealthy fin and recessed missile bay displaying good radar return characteristics.

In searching for an F-15 replacement with quantum steps in agility and supercruise manoeuvring, manufacturers explored a wide variety of design and technology options. This Boeing concept features over-wing inlets for low IR visibility, a two-crew cockpit and large tail surfaces for flick-turns.

Supercruise performance demanded low bypass engines in a streamlined aerodynamic configuration. This concept emphasised sheer performance but with little agility or supersonic manoeuvrability.