Grumman XTSF-1 (G-66)

History

The US Navy took a long time to accept twin-engine aircraft for combat on aircraft carriers during World War II. The Grumman F7F Tigercat was the first twin-engine aircraft to be accepted, but it came too late to see action in the war. Only the latest model, F7F-4N, was certified for carrier operations, while the others operated from land bases.

During the latter part of the war, the US Navy wanted to replace its successful Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber. Many attempts were made, including the B. XTB2F-1, but it was too big and heavy for carrier use and was discontinued. The Navy then looked to an improved version of the F7F Tigercat, proposed by Grumman as the "G-66 model."

In August, a contract was signed for two prototypes, designated XTSF-1. The Navy wanted a fighter jet capable of launching torpedoes and exploring the Pacific Ocean, so range was crucial. Grumman engineers made modifications to the F7F-2 airframe, including changes to the radar and integrating the TBF's bomb bay into the Tigercat's fuselage.

Overall, the US Navy faced challenges in accepting twin-engine aircraft for carrier combat, but eventually, the Grumman F7F Tigercat was considered, although it missed the opportunity to serve in World War II.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1945

Origins: United States

Status: Cancel. Development ended.

Crew: 2

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft - USA

Carrier: United States (removed)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Armor

Armor assigned to protect the pilot/crew compartment and/or critical operating systems enhances survivability.

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Folding wings

The main aircraft is designed to be foldable, increasing storage capacity on land and at sea.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Inner bay

Hull volume includes space for internal weapons or special mission equipment.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance

The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Operation Lakes

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Crew management

In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Torpedo weapons

Ability to launch/release torpedoes against maritime threats/targets.

Mine Discharge

The ability to launch or drop mines as a deterrent measure.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 46.3 feet (14.12m)

Width/span: 59. 4 feet (18.10m)

Height: 16.1 ft (4.90m)

Cured weight: 17,295 lbs (7,845 kg)

MTOW: 26,235 lbs (11,900 kg)

Wgt Difference: +8,940 lbs (+4,055 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Central Install

The main aircraft is mounted below the center on the sides of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22W Double Wasp air-cooled radial piston engines, 2,400 hp each, driving 2 x four-bladed propeller units in a puller arrangement.

Maximum speed: 413 km/h (665 km/h | 359 knots)

Cruising speed: 351 km/h (565 km/h | 305 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +62 km/h (+100 km/h | 54 kn)

Area: 994 km (1,600 km | 2,963 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 4,200 ft/min (1,280 m/min)

Weapons

Proposed: 4 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns mounted at the root of the wing (planned to upgrade to 2 x 20mm automatic gun mounts later).

Optional: Internal bomb bay holds up to 2,000 lb stores including torpedoes, conventionally thrown bombs, Navy depth charges and/or Navy mines.