FB-22
|
|
The FB-22 is a proposed United States Air Force (USAF) bomber aircraft, derived from the F/A-22 and intended to fulfill a USAF requirement of an interim bomber to replace the B-1B Lancer. It would precede a next-generation strike aircraft entering service after 2037. Secretary of the Air Force James Roche is said to be one of its strongest proponents.
The FB-22 differs from the original F/A-22 design significantly. A lengthened fuselage provides greater fuel capacity and a much larger internal weapons bay, better suiting long range attack missions. The elongated delta wing and deletion of tailplanes coupled with a possible change to the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 engines would allow for a higher top-speed, sacrificing some maneuverability for better bombing performance. Unlike the similarly appearing X-44 MANTA, the FB-22 would rely on wing control surfaces and likely have fixed engine nozzles.
Fb-22-line.gif
External Links
'The Raptor as Bomber' - Air Force Association magazine article (http://www.afa.org/magazine/Jan2005/0105raptor.pdf)
|
Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |