General Dynamics ATF CGI Model

[ScrutorAudax]

In the case of a delta, twin tails will be shielded by the wing regardless. In addition to the shielding by the wing, one of the twin tails will be shielded by the other.

 

[sferrin]

In the case of a delta, twin tails will be shielded by the wing regardless. In addition to the shielding by the wing, one of the twin tails will be shielded by the other.

Not that it would help with stealth but how about ventrals like the F8U-3? Is a vertical tail with two ventral tails as effective as one big vertical or two smaller verticals?

 

[ScrutorAudax]

Not that it would help with stealth but how about ventrals like the F8U-3?

The main issue with that is clearance on takeoff. The XF8-U3 had folding ventrals (same with the North American-Rockwell FX).

Is a vertical tail with two ventral tails as effective as one big vertical or two smaller verticals?

Yes, but they are all design compromises. It depends on the aerodynamic layout of the plane and its design objectives. For stealth it's a bad idea because you would have three radiators instead of two or one, and the ventral fins would make it even worse because of the increased tolerance for the folding mechanism. For high-alpha properties it could possibly be better.

 

[ScrutorAudax]

I found a bunch of pictures of the GD ATF rendering. I couldn't tell if they were from Nils_D's model or not. They look very good.

 

[ScrutorAudax]

Here's some more.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Not a bad job at all!

 

[HeavyG]

It's got that Skyray vibe to it...