| L450F | |
|---|---|
| Role | Reconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ling-Temco-Vought |
| First flight | February 1970 |
| Primary user | U.S. Air Force |
| Developed from | Schweizer SGS 2-32 |
| Developed into | LTV XQM-93 |
The LTV L450F, also known as the L45ØF,[1] was a prototype quiet reconnaissance aircraft, developed by Ling-Temco-Vought in the late 1960s for use in the Vietnam War by the United States. Based on the airframe of a Schweizer 2-32 sailplane, the aircraft flew in 1970, and was developed into the XQM-93 reconnaissance drone before the project was cancelled.
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Developed as a follow on to the Igloo White program, the L450F was intended to provide a quiet reconnaissance and communications relay aircraft.[1] Under a $1 million USD contract by LTV Electrosystems, the L450F was developed from a Schweizer SGS 2-32 sailplane, modified by Schweizer to LTV's specifications.[1]
These modifications included stronger wing spars, thicker wing skin, installation of a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine driving a three-bladed propeller, and main landing gear based on that of the Grumman Ag-Cat agricultural aircraft.[1] An alternative configuration, using a piston 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 unmanned XQM-93 drone, under the Compass Dwell project. Four examples of the XQM-93 were contracted for by the United States Air Force, however the Compass Dwell project was subsequently cancelled.[1][2]
The Vintage Flying Museum at Meacham Field in Fort Worth, Texas, has an L-450F on display, but it is disassembled, on a trailer and not airworthy. [3]
Data from Janes[1]
General characteristics
Performance
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