One of the most unusual aircraft I’ve ever seen. A supersonic seaplane. I wonder why this particular aircraft was designed anyway. Carrier based aircraft should be preferrable anyway IMHO. But then I recently heard that the USN wasn’t convinced that supersonic aircraft could be flown from carriers, hence the interest in the Convair SeaDart. That interest faded quickly when supersonic carrier based fighters were developed.
Any thoughts about this curious aircraft?????
Some specs, pics and a link:
Specification for the Convair YF2Y-1 SeaDart:
Engines: Two Westinghouse J46-WE-2 turbojets, rated at 6000 lb.s.t. each with afterburning. Maximum speed: 695 mph at 8000 feet, 825 mph at 36,000 feet. Initial climb rate 17,100 feet per minute. Range 513 miles. Service ceiling 54,800 feet. (these are estimated performance figures, which I don’t think were ever achieved in test). Stalling speed 132 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 33 feet 8 inches, length 52 feet 7 inches (YF2Y-1 no. 3 51 feet 1 1/2 inches), height 16 feet 2 inches (skis retracted) 20 feet 9 inches (skis extended), wing area 568 square feet. Total internal fuel capacity: 1000 US gallons. Weights: 12,625 pounds empty, 16,500 pounds gross, 21,500 pounds maximum takeoff. Armament: The SeaDart was never equipped with any armament.
http://www.mozeyoninn.com/books/CNF23.jpg
http://www.museumofflight.org/collections/images/aircraft/convairxf2y1_…
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/f7.html
Best regards,
Ference.
Sign In
April 23, 2001 at 12:47 pm
