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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.

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

Design and development

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]

Operational history

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 new Fédération 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.

Specifications (prototype)

Data from Janes[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 (pilot)
• Length: 29 ft (8.8 m)
• Wingspan: 57 ft (17 m)
• Empty weight: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 4,600 lb (2,087 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 2,300 pounds (1,000 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-29 , 778 shp (580 kW)
• Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell

Performance

• Cruise speed: 105 mph (169 km/h, 91 kn)
• Range: 6,000 mi (9,650 km, 5,210 nmi)
• Endurance: 24–30 hours
• Service ceiling: 52,000 ft (16,000 m)
• Maximum glide ratio: 28:1
• Rate of climb: 2,600 ft/min (13 m/s)

See also

Related development

• Schweizer 2-32
• LTV XQM-93

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Beechcraft QU-22 Pave Eagle
• Lockheed YO-3
• Martin Marietta Model 845

Related lists

• List of military aircraft of the United States

References

Notes

Bibliography

External links

Media related to LTV L450F at Wikimedia Commons

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