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Wild Blue Yonder 1: 50 Years of Gs & Jets
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Wild Blue Yonder - Episode 1 - 50 Years of Gs and Jets (Digital Ranch) (Spectrum Holobyte)(1-107-40-101)(1994).iso
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00124_Field_124.txt
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1994-08-29
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The Super Fighter
Amazingly, Lockheed achieved both stealth and agility in its new
"super fighter." The YF-22 can achieve supersonic cruise, which
permits it to "loaf along" at Mach 1.5 without the use of
afterburners. This aggressive new fighter is somewhat bulky in
appearance, because everything usually stored on the wings is
carried internally to reduce radar reflectivity and keep the
aerodynamics clean.
The YF-22 is as advanced in its structural materials as in its
aerodynamic design. Four major classes of composites make up
almost 24% of its structure, another 24% is titanium, and the
remainder is conventional materials. The Lockheed fighter has
two-dimensional thrust-vectoring, in which a heat resistant
nozzle directs engine thrust up and down for improved
maneuverability. The nozzles are interconnected with the flight
controls, resulting in far greater roll rates and rates of turn.
The YF-22's avionics are equally futuristic. A series of
multi-function displays reduces the pilot's workload, while a
low-radar reflective canopy allows him almost perfect visibility.
The advanced fighter's electronic combat suite provides both
offensive and defensive capabilities suitable for the
twenty-first century. Although the Soviet Union no longer
exists, the MIG and Sukhoi factories continue to turn out
advanced new fighters, making the YF-22 a necessity.