Welcome back to my aviation blog. And yes, I know this blog hasn't been updated for an age, but covid happened, and I didn't pay aviation as much attention as it deserved. However I'm back, and rearing to go. Anyways, while I've been gone, I've decided to spend some time researching extensively military aircraft, and its surrounding ecosystem ( aircraft carriers, labour, etc. ). Now, with that announcement out of the way, let's move on to the blog post.
The other day, I stumbled across the internet, happening to find myself watching videos, about the f-22, and f14. And I couldn't help but think, 'could a naval sweep wing variant of the f-22 ( NATF-22 ) have been the best naval aircraft ever?'
The F-22 Raptor, without doubt, is the best USAF aircraft to ever exist. Arguably the only 5th gen fighter, as the Su-57 and J20 are not in proper service. Combine that with the technical prowess of the F14, with its sweep wings, and extremely advanced naval suited features. Combine these, to get the NATF-22. Here's a brief list of the extensive benefits / advantages to an aircraft like the FA-18 Hornet ( later upgraded to the super hornet ), which is the current flagship of the US Naval fleet.
First, I will explain what this aircraft would be like.
It would be based of the F-22 platform, with its 5th gen capabilities. Then, it would be repurposed for carrier service. This would require a sweep wing design, to not hinder supersonic performance and drag, but extending to provide the lift required for carrier landings, and slower speeds. It would also feature LEXs ( Leading edge extensions ). This would improved high alpha performance, just like the F-14. This characteristic is perfect for the high alpha situations and manoeuvrability required. This NATF-22, if built now, would probably feature the avionics of the F-35 Lightning II, with its advanced glass cockpit, the built in HUD to the helmet, and its AN/APG-81. It may or may not feature hard points to attach weapons, as stealth is the biggest feature of 5th gen aircraft, but extra ammunition and fire power is useful. And of course, it would feature a reinforced fuselage and structure, with the necessary equipment to land on catobar equipped US aircraft carriers.
Onto the downsides!
This aircraft would be EXTREMELY expensive. We already know that the F-22 is already extremely costly for the USAF, and a sweep wing naval variant for the NATF programme ( Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter ) would be even costlier. Firstly, the sweep wing design is expensive to produce and maintain. Every single time the F14 returned to a carrier, something was wrong with the aircraft, and/or the sweep wing. For every hour of flight of the F14, 90 man hours were required. For the FA18, with its fixed wings, it would require 10 man hours. And because the F-22 was already the most costly plane to have ever been produced, the USAF, and US Navy were unwilling to venture down this money pit, especially when the FA18 is already such a capable machine. Another reason this aircraft is a venture not worth pursuing is because of diminishing returns. As aerial combat is no longer just dogfighting, and more strategy, burning money and resources into an aircraft that wouldn't be of much use in 10-15 years wouldn't be a great decision. This is especially as NGAD is already on its way, as well as FAXX, the 6th gen aircraft for the USAF and Navy. These will no longer require a pilot, but can be still manned. If you want me to discuss NGAD and FAXX in another post, please let me know. And yes, I am suggesting planes will be autonomous in 10-15 years. I can't wait to be proven wrong... Aircraft as advanced as this are simply no longer needed, as air dominance is becoming less of a factor, and strategy and formation are key, compared to a solitary aircraft. Therefore, as is now evident, the development of another new aircraft wouldn't be necessary. The US certainly agreed, as funds were diverted from NATF-22 to FA18 Super Hornet.
So, there you go. Now you know why the NATF-22 was never produced, despite being considered potentially one of the best aircraft to have ever been conceived. Personally, I would have loved to see a NATF-22, as it would be the bond of my two favourite military aircraft. The F-14 Tomcat, and F-22 Raptor. I think if it ever existed, would not only be a bigger fan favourite compared to the F-14 or any other plane. I think it would be the best naval aircraft ever, and most beautiful aircraft. I said it. Thank you for reading. See you in the next post!
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