 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Convair 49 Advanced Aerial Fire Support System - 1967 |
|||
|
RETIRED |
|||
|
| ABOUT THE DESIGN: | ABOUT THE MODEL: | |
|
In 1965, the U.S. Army asked
America's major aircraft companies to submit proposals for an Advanced
Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) to provide cover for ground troops in
hostile territories. While
most companies responded with conventional -- albeit advanced -- helicopter
designs, Convair's San Diego division returned with something truly unique:
A closed-wing, shrouded rotor VTOL with heavy on-board weaponry and an
articulated cockpit. Essentially a "flying tank," the Model 49 would be able to launch and land vertically like a helicopter, fly horizontally like an airplane, hover, and even operate as a moveable weapons platform while on the ground. Said by Convair engineers to be easier operate than a conventional helicopter, the Model 49 was deemed far too radical to warrant further development. |
|
|
|
|
Home X-Planes Concept Aircraft Spacecraft & Missiles Concept Spacecraft Science Fiction Grab Bag
Copyright 2005-2012 by Fantastic Plastic Models, LLC
