An American Whatif..... McDonnell Douglas 265-1 VLF AFTI

scautomoton · July 19, 2025, 03:34:09 AM

So for the past few days I've been forging ahead with something a little different from my recent efforts. Something not British for a change. Anyone who frequents the SecretProjects forums will recognize this beast.

The McDonnell Douglas 265-1 study into a Vectored Lift Fighter for the AFTI initiative in the late 1970s. There's a good discussion about it all here. Shes nearly ready for initial print trials. I just need to review some of the joint tolerances and then we're good to go. Once I'm happy that it goes together nicely I'll plough some furrows, I mean put some panel lines all over it, and draw some pylons too. Handily, the various documents online show a clear breakdown of parts for manufacturing, including access panels and so on.

Gondor · July 19, 2025, 04:10:08 AM

Interesting, although I prefer the version with the two downwardly canted canards rather than the single ventral fin.

Gondor

scautomoton · July 19, 2025, 06:30:38 AM

Quote from: Gondor on July 19, 2025, 04:10:08 AMInteresting, although I prefer the version with the two downwardly canted canards rather than the single ventral fin.

Gondor

Is that not the F-16 ATFI?

Gondor · July 19, 2025, 07:27:32 AM

Quote from: scautomoton on July 19, 2025, 06:30:38 AM
Quote from: Gondor on July 19, 2025, 04:10:08 AMInteresting, although I prefer the version with the two downwardly canted canards rather than the single ventral fin.

Gondor
Is that not the F-16 ATFI?

No, it's this one

PR19_Kit · July 19, 2025, 08:19:14 AM

Quote from: Gondor on July 19, 2025, 07:27:32 AMNo, it's this one

Your version seem to have only one fin Alastair, with the 'tailplanes' outboard of it, whereas Stuart's has two fins with the 'tailplane' in between them.

Which means there's theoretical room for a third version with two fins and in 'in between tailplane', AND twin nose canards as well.

Gondor · July 19, 2025, 09:53:39 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on July 19, 2025, 08:19:14 AMYour version seem to have only one fin Alastair, with the 'tailplanes' outboard of it, whereas Stuart's has two fins with the 'tailplane' in between them.

Which means there's theoretical room for a third version with two fins and in 'in between tailplane', AND twin nose canards as well.

Yes Kit, it does have one fin. I was taking about Cannards as Stuart's only has one.

PR19_Kit · July 19, 2025, 03:54:35 PM

Quote from: Gondor on July 19, 2025, 09:53:39 AMYes Kit, it does have one fin. I was taking about Cannards as Stuart's only has one.

Sure, I got that. I was suggesting a mix-and-match between the two versions would be good too.

Thorvic · July 20, 2025, 02:13:33 AM

Looking foward to seeing this be created as the SPF data shows quite a range of drawings and models.

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/mcdonnell-douglas-vlf-model-265-afti-project.6933/

scautomoton · July 20, 2025, 10:59:19 AM

Yeah, there's a lot of drawings, with many load-outs, making it quite difficult to decide on a scheme. For an easy life I could go for low-viz with a pair of sidewinders, maybe using an F-16 sqn markings. Or, to highlight the CAS and anti-tank role I could go camo and use an early A-10 sqn markings and give it a full load.

I really don't know. Suggestions would be welcome. I'm really not au fait with US squadrons or their history since there are so damn many of them! I really can't see this sort of aircraft being Air National Guard (based on it's intended theatre), so it suggests USAF or perhaps Marines? Do/did they operate non-VTOL fixed wings?

One other thing, do we think it would have a sliding or hinged canopy?

Gondor · July 20, 2025, 11:20:58 AM

Yes the US Marines operated non-VTOL fixed wing aircraft. Lots of squadrons going back to at least WWII operated by them. Corsairs spring to mind as one of the types they have operated.

Joe CalPo · July 20, 2025, 11:39:55 AM

So a plane with a canard-goatee.

Again, love a plane that plays well with water.

George the Cat · July 20, 2025, 11:53:26 AM

Very nice!

kerick · July 20, 2025, 09:29:42 PM

If you go USAF then the three tone Hill scheme like the F-16 would work for an 1980s time frame. USMC would either be an F-18 pattern or you could whiff it and do to late Harrier look. Or just wing it.

Thorvic · July 20, 2025, 11:49:12 PM

Quote from: scautomoton on July 20, 2025, 10:59:19 AMYeah, there's a lot of drawings, with many load-outs, making it quite difficult to decide on a scheme. For an easy life I could go for low-viz with a pair of sidewinders, maybe using an F-16 sqn markings. Or, to highlight the CAS and anti-tank role I could go camo and use an early A-10 sqn markings and give it a full load.

I really don't know. Suggestions would be welcome. I'm really not au fait with US squadrons or their history since there are so damn many of them! I really can't see this sort of aircraft being Air National Guard (based on it's intended theatre), so it suggests USAF or perhaps Marines? Do/did they operate non-VTOL fixed wings?

One other thing, do we think it would have a sliding or hinged canopy?

Hinged canopy possibly similar to the F-18 Hornet, as one of the drawings show a blade aerial just aft of the canopy.

As to USMC, yes they operate F-18C/D and F-35C, they previously had their own F-4s, Shyhawks and Crusaders which did deploy to carriers.

kerick · July 21, 2025, 10:04:24 AM

Yes, the Marines kept their Skyhawks for a long time so several options there.