FAF EFW N-20 Arbalete (Crossbow)

History of the FAF EFW N-20 Arbalete (crossbow)

The EFW N-20 "Arbalete" ("crossbow") was born as an offshoot of the EFW N-20 program, a homegrown Swiss government plan to use domestic jet fighters. The program produced a wooden glider for testing as the N-20. 01 and N-20. 10 full-size aircraft. Although the program was not officially in service with the Swiss Air Force, the program provided an excellent experience for engineers and local industry.

N-20. The 02 exists as another test aircraft in the series, similar in size to the N-20. 01 Glider.

The glider shape showcases the overall design and aircraft sound configuration, featuring a central fuselage containing the pilot, cockpit, avionics and fuel. The fuselage is spanned by a swept wing unit with a particularly thick chord. A tricycle landing gear is used, which is retractable.

The cockpit, covered with a large transparent canopy for excellent visibility, was relocated forward of the fuselage.

N-20. The 01 glider took off on April 17, 1948 (with a tractor). This laid the foundation for the N-20. 02, the main difference is the installation of 4 x Turbomeca Pimene I turbojets with a thrust of 242 ln.

The engines are arranged in separate nacelles along the trailing edge of the main aircraft, with each pair arranged in an up-and-down configuration. Overall, the engine thrust was low and did not provide the power needed to achieve the high-speed envelope, but proved sufficient to collect the data needed to advance the project.

N-20 when finished. 02 was the first Swiss jet.

This test article first took off on November 16, 1951, reaching a top speed of 354 miles per hour within 16 minutes of takeoff. The results are promising, showing an aerodynamically clean shape with good maneuverability. It later hit 447 miles per hour on a dive.

The N-20 project was eventually shelved by the Swiss government, leading to the development of the FFA P-16 (described in detail elsewhere on this website). But that was also cancelled, with the Swiss Air Force relying on foreign jet fighters for the British Hawker Hunter solution.

The arbalatete continued to be studied for several years before it was finally abandoned in 1954.

The full-size N-20 "Aiguillon" managed some ground movement and some "jumps", but little else - doomed to its underpowered engine layout and policy.

Specification

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