MFN-7A "Inferno" (Circa 1971)
History
The MFN-7 was designed for the U.S. Navy and USAF to operate from ground bases on small islands with short airfields. It was meant to protect those airfields from amphibious and aerial assault. After its short but distinguished service in the Vietnam War, the US Navy requested an improved carrier capable variant (MFN-7A) in 1967. It saw service in the Icelandic Invasion of 1983 and later the South Pacific war of 1989. It was retired in 1991. This example flew with a squadron based in the Northeast, which deployed to the Icelandic Invasion. The aircraft is pictured in 1971, soon after receiving the Block III update, with better Avionics and Weapons Systems.
Design
The MFN-7 is a semi-flying wing, retaining a vertical stabilizer. Its pitch control is inverted because they are at the rear of the airplane. The -A variant has improved landing gear and light systems. The reasons for this are twofold: First, the Navy required strengthened landing gear for carrier landings, as well as lighting for night operations. Second, the original variant suffered multiple accidents due to the instability of the landing gear placement, which coupled with poor lighting and disorientation during night time, was deemed to be unsafe.
Armament
1 MFM-2 20mm Minigun
1 MFG-1C 20mm Rotary Gun
Up to 4000 lbs of Bombs, Rockets, and ATA and ATG Missiles.
The suspended armament is stored on the spar that holds the intakes, around the midsection of the aircraft, as well as the wings.
Notes
Yet another remaster. I'm gonna be honest, this is my baby. The F4D is my favorite aircraft, and I think this may be one of my best builds. Thanks for reading!
AG1: Hook
AG2: Drag Chute
AG3: Lights
Trim: Air Brake
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 39.4ft (12.0m)
- Length 31.6ft (9.6m)
- Height 12.8ft (3.9m)
- Empty Weight 9,517lbs (4,317kg)
- Loaded Weight 17,026lbs (7,723kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 1.979
- Wing Loading 50.4lbs/ft2 (245.9kg/m2)
- Wing Area 338.1ft2 (31.4m2)
- Drag Points 3068
Parts
- Number of Parts 73
- Control Surfaces 5
- Performance Cost 531