BAe P.110

History

The development of the preeminent Eurofighter Typhoon (detailed elsewhere on this page) set the British aviation industry down many paths in the 1970s and 1980s. One of these became the BAe P. 110 project fighter, which later reached the model stage when this full-scale example was built at the Wharton factory.

This entry-level, single-seat, twin-engine aircraft made aviation history, yet retains its place in the annals of creation of the ultimate EF2000 in the 1990s - a design that is now one of the world's dominant fighter jets.

The P.110 is a privately funded enterprise, billed as a single-seat, twin-engine, multi-role, light fighter with inherent agility - characteristics (beyond the twin-engine approach) comparable to contemporary General Dynamics ( Lockheed) F-16 "Fighting Falcon". Its overall design (including about 40% lightweight carbon fiber construction) is largely conventional, with a pointed assembly that houses a Ferranti pulsed Doppler radar, a single-seat pressurized cockpit directly aft, Twin engines side by side. The main aircraft (cranked delta wing type) is located mid-stern on both sides of the fuselage, and in front of these components are canards to improve agility at high angles of attack. The outwardly inclined rear fins are respectively attached to the upper surface of the engine case.

The air intakes for the intake of the engines include side vents located on either side of the cockpit - the cockpit itself is covered with a light framed three-piece assembly that provides the pilot with extraordinary visibility.

The aircraft was designed around a logic-friendly concept of sharing parts, including various systems and engines in service, with the PANAVIA Tornado variable-geometry wing attack fighter, which was in service with the RAF at the time. The four-way digital fly-by-wire system, validated on the airworthy SEPECAT Jaguar fighter test bed, was specified for the required processing. The original engine was the Turbo-Union (Rolls-Royce, MBB and Aeritalia) RB. 199-67R afterburner turbofan, later fitted with more advanced propulsion.

In this way, the development, operation and sustainment costs of the fighter can be controlled to a certain extent.

Internally, the fighter is equipped by default with a 27mm Mauser autocannon for close range work. As a multi-role platform, the aircraft has been designed from the start to support all of the RAF's current generation air-launched and air-launched gun options, including guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles and air-to-air missiles (AAM).

Eight to fourteen different types of weapons can be carried (externally) via multiple hardpoints (including wingtip mounts). A typical bomb load may reach 14,000 pounds, or a total of 12 AAMs can be carried depending on the role required on the battlefield.

Provide at least three hardpoints (one ventral centerline attachment and 2 underwing points) for disposable fuel tanks.

Drawings for the P.110 were made in early 1981, and the fighter was more or less completed by the end of the year. By 1986, no less than six airworthy prototypes would be off the assembly line, with the airframes in service by the end of 1988.

Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was planned for sometime around 1989.

Facing uncertain interest from the Ministry of Defence in this potentially expensive project, BAe was forced to seek foreign financial assistance and create potential export sales for British allies around the world. This led to the completion of a full-scale physical model at Wharton.

Together with German partners (mainly MBB) who preferred other qualities in the design of future fighters, the fighter was improved with a ventral air intake layout. While the P.110 did not exceed the designated model, it contributed in many ways to the popular EF2000 design today.

According to the drawings, the P. 110 has a barrel length of 51.3 feet and a wingspan of 33.2 feet. Gross weight is estimated at 30,845 pounds. Performance figures include a recommended maximum speed of Mach 1.9 to 2.1 (approximately 1,455 mph to 1,615 mph).

Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service

1981

Origins

UK

Status

Cancel

Development ended.

Crew

1

Production

0

Manufacturer

British Aerospace (BAe) - United Kingdom

Operators

UK

scrolling

air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

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.

Countermeasures

Onboard electronic or physical countermeasures taken by the aircraft or pilot/crew to enhance survivability.

Multi-engine

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

wing sweep

The main plane or leading edge has retraction lines for improved high-speed performance and handling.

duck

Small forward aircraft in front of the main aircraft reduces wing loading and/or improves maneuverability for high angle of attack or stall operations.

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.

Pilot/crew ejection system

Auxiliary procedures to allow pilot and/or crew ejection in the event of an air emergency.

Depression in crew members

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

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

51. 3 feet

(15.65m)

Width/span

46.4 feet

(14.15m)

Height

16.4 feet

(5.00m)

Cured weight

20,944 lbs

(9,500 kg)

MTOW

30,865 lbs

(14,000 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?9,921

(+4,500 kg)

Main Aircraft Structure

Single/mid/delta with canards

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.

Canard Delta

The Delta plane is enhanced with canards (small forward aircraft) located in front of the main aircraft, improving angle of attack and low speed/stall control.

(The structure descriptor refers to the production variant P.110)

Performance

Installed:

2 x Turbo Union (Rolls Royce, MBB, Aeritalia) RB. The 199-67R afterburner turbofan produces 30,845 pounds of thrust after reheating.

Maximum speed

1,616 km/h

(2,600 km/h | 1,404 knots)

Maximum

59,055 feet

(18,000 m | 11 km)

Area

1,553 km

(2,500 km | 4,630 nautical miles)

rate of climb

65,000 ft/min

(19,812 m/min)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Weapons

Proposed support for internal autocannons, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, precision-guided bombs, and conventionally thrown bombs. An optional fuel tank is also available for increased range.

VARIANTS

p. 110 - Base item name.