| L450F | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Reconnaissance aircraft Type of aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ling-Temco-Vought |
| First flight | February 1970 |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Developed from | Schweizer SGS 2-32 |
| Developed into | LTV XQM-93 |
TheLTV L450F, also known as theL45ØF,[1] was a prototype quietreconnaissance aircraft, developed byLing-Temco-Vought in the late 1960s for use in theVietnam War by theUnited States. Based on the airframe of aSchweizer 2-32 sailplane, the aircraft flew in 1970, and was developed into theXQM-93 reconnaissancedrone before the project was cancelled.
Developed as a follow on to theIgloo White program, the L450F was intended to provide a quiet reconnaissance and communications relay aircraft.[1] Under a $1 millionUSD contract by LTV Electrosystems, the L450F was developed from aSchweizer SGS 2-32sailplane, modified by Schweizer to LTV's specifications.[1]
These modifications included stronger wingspars, thicker wing skin, installation of aPratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine driving a three-bladed propeller, and main landing gear based on that of theGrumman Ag-Cat agricultural aircraft.[1] An alternative configuration, using apiston engine, was also proposed.[1]
The prototype L450F first flew in February 1970, but was destroyed during its third flight, on 23 March that year, the pilot successfully bailing out. A second prototype was then completed and flown, successfully completing the testing program, and a third prototype was ordered as the unmannedXQM-93 drone, under theCompass Dwell project. Four examples of the XQM-93 were contracted for by theUnited States Air Force, however the Compass Dwell project was subsequently cancelled.[1][2]
27 March 1972 Donald R. Wilson reached the altitude of 15,456 m (50,708 ft) in horizontal flight flying the remaining L450F,registered N2450F, setting a newFédération Aéronautique Internationale international record, Class C-1c, Group II[3] (Powered aeroplanes, takeoff weight 1000 to 1750 kg, turboprop). This record still stood as of 27 March 2012.
Data from Janes[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
Media related toLTV L450F at Wikimedia Commons