The AST.403 and BAE P.96

[Stratodesigner]

I came across this fascinating drawing from the Evolution of the Eurofighter thread.

My interest in this aircraft is a little unusual. I am in the process of building a micro (1:48 scale) flying model of a swept wing aircraft. Originally based on the SU-27, due to weight considerations I changed the design to a single-engined model with an underside intake.

I was surprised to come across a drawing that was quite similar to the 3D model I developed as a basis for the design. The appearance of the AST.403 is quite unusual and would make an impressive sight in the air.

The search for information on the concept has yielded few results: data on dimensions are not available at all, so I decided to make some educated guesses and post the results here along with the 3D model that I created, in the hope of adding useful information concerning this seemingly amazing aircraft design.

 

[Stratodesigner]

First, an estimate of dimensions. The sidewinder missile, assuming it is that, is 0.9 cm long in the image, and the length of the aircraft without the pitot tube is 4.5 cm, making it 5 times the length of the missile. Assuming the missile is 2.86 metres in length,
the length of the aircraft will be 14.3 metres.

The other dimensions are difficult to obtain, however, by creating a 3D model and rotating it to match the same angle of shown in the image, then rotating it so I can view it from the top, I think I can obtain the dimensions of the aircraft.

 

[Stratodesigner]

There is this information: (less sweep on the wings)

'AMX' supersônico? - Poder Aéreo – Aviação, Forças Aéreas, Indústria Aeroespacial e de Defesa

Algumas concepções desenvolvidas por empresas aeroespaciais da Europa mostram um desenho externo que apresenta grande...

www.aereo.jor.br

A three-view drawing of the Hawker Siddeley HS1204/P159, a Brough project to AST403 Stock Photo - Alamy

Download this stock image: A three-view drawing of the Hawker Siddeley HS1204/P159, a Brough project to AST403. - 2M97BFJ from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors.

www.alamy.com

Apparently documents are held by the national archives.

Air Staff Target (AST) 403: replacement of Harrier / Jaguar | The National Archives

The official archive of the UK government. Our vision is to lead and transform information management, guarantee the survival of today's information for tomorrow and bring history to life for everyone.

discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk

 

[Stratodesigner]

Using the 3-view drawing, and the 10ft scale, the length works out to 13.9 metres, which is close to the initial estimate.

Can anyone explain the difference in wing sweep between the drawings and the 3-views?

Looks about 60 degrees in the artists impression, about the same as the Mirage III. Measured at 50 degrees sweep on my 3D model vs 35 or so on the drawing.

 

[Stratodesigner]

"P.96 to AST.403" A more detailed, nicer view, similar to the 3D model I created. (Image on the right).

Details:

Any Drawings of pre-Eurofighter BAe Design Studies? P.96,

As I understand it, BAe's last conventional swept wing, twin engine concept was called the P.96. It had big LERXs and side mounted intakes. From there BAe

www.key.aero

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

I'd just point out the P.96 isn't in any way the same design as you posted.

 

[Stratodesigner]

The P.96 is the leftmost picture in this post?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/evolution-of-the-eurofighter-typhoon-tkf-90-ast-396-ast-403-and-more.169/post-24680

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

The P.96 is the leftmost picture in this post?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/evolution-of-the-eurofighter-typhoon-tkf-90-ast-396-ast-403-and-more.169/post-24680

This, yes. Distinctive features are the swept wing and the large LERX.