BarnOwlLover
Staff Sergeant
F.6/42 was a competition for a "lightweight fighter" that was intended to be Britain's answer to the Fw190 concept. This was ultimately won by the Hawker Fury and the Folland Fo.117, though only the Sea Fury would see worthwhile production for the Royal Navy.
F.6/42 recommended the use of the Rolls-Royce Griffon, Napier Sabre or Bristol Centaurus engines. But what could a F.6/42 type fighter be like if the Merlin was encouraged as a possible power plant type? Remember that F.6/42 was written when the two-stage Merlin was brand new, and was seen as a 1600-1700 hp engine and was thought to be entering its final stretch of development. 2000+hp versions of the Merlin weren't seen as being likely at the time until the 100 series was developed, which came later.
The considerations are as follows:
Tier 1: Maneuverability, speed, climb rate, firepower, pilot and systems protection.
Tier 2: Ability to serve as a ground attack aircraft with 1000-1500 lbs of bombs, possibility to scale this up to 2000 lbs in the future if more powerful Merlins can be fitted. Also he ability to carry 6-8 HVARs or up to 8 (16 if paired) RP-3 rockets.
Tier 3: Range. Long range for possibiliy of bomber escort or standing patrols or recon is desired, but not a priority.
In addition to Merlin power, the aircraft is hoped to have an armament of 6 (or maybe up to 8) .50 MGs with 300 (min) or 400 (ideal) rounds per gun, or 4 20mm cannons with 150 (min) or 200 (ideal) rounds per gun.
F.6/42 recommended the use of the Rolls-Royce Griffon, Napier Sabre or Bristol Centaurus engines. But what could a F.6/42 type fighter be like if the Merlin was encouraged as a possible power plant type? Remember that F.6/42 was written when the two-stage Merlin was brand new, and was seen as a 1600-1700 hp engine and was thought to be entering its final stretch of development. 2000+hp versions of the Merlin weren't seen as being likely at the time until the 100 series was developed, which came later.
The considerations are as follows:
Tier 1: Maneuverability, speed, climb rate, firepower, pilot and systems protection.
Tier 2: Ability to serve as a ground attack aircraft with 1000-1500 lbs of bombs, possibility to scale this up to 2000 lbs in the future if more powerful Merlins can be fitted. Also he ability to carry 6-8 HVARs or up to 8 (16 if paired) RP-3 rockets.
Tier 3: Range. Long range for possibiliy of bomber escort or standing patrols or recon is desired, but not a priority.
In addition to Merlin power, the aircraft is hoped to have an armament of 6 (or maybe up to 8) .50 MGs with 300 (min) or 400 (ideal) rounds per gun, or 4 20mm cannons with 150 (min) or 200 (ideal) rounds per gun.
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