RARE: The Story Behind the F-19 Stealth Fighter! (Documentary Video)

[VSKYLABS Newsletter] issued 11 Feb 2023

VSKYLABS is very exciting to share a new, short video regarding the story behind the F-19 Stealth Fighter!

The video includes a rare audio recording of an intriguing interview. Mr. Don Ecker conducted this interview in his radio program 'UFOs Tonite!', back in 1994, with Mr. John Andrews, the man who designed the F-19 Stealth Fighter model during the year 1985.

The F-19 Stealth Fighter model carried a whole generation of aviation and flight simulation enthusiasts into the fascinating world of military aviation and stealth technology back in the late 80's / early 90's.

A HUGE 'Thank You!' goes to Mr. Don Ecker, for allowing VSKYLABS to use the audio recording of the interview in this video, which was edited as a humble appreciation to all who were involved in the making of the 80's F-19 Stealth Fighter concept model, and above all, to Mr. John Andrews, the man behind the legendary F-19 Stealth Fighter model design.

*Video background footage: Flying segments of the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Stealth Fighter Project, in X-Plane 12 flight simulation (early version).

More information about the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': F-19 Stealth Fighter (for X-Plane 12) can be found in the project's page: https://www.vskylabs.com/p/f19sf/

*The development of the VSKYLABS F-19 for X-Plane flight simulator is approved by Testors/ITALERI S.p.A. However, it is an independent VSKYLABS development effort which is not endorsed and/or affiliated with/by Testors/ITALERI S.p.A

Riding the Shockwave: The SR-71 Variable-Geometry Inlet System

[Test-Pilot Notes] issued 1st February 2023

Did you know that the SR-71 'Spikes' were part of the AICS (Air Inlet Control System) which provided a variable-gerometry air inlet system? This was required due to the extended speed and altitude envelope of the aircraft.

The AICS not only provided a flow of subsonic air to the engines, but also contributed to the overall powerplant thrust. The system included a set of inlet bypass and bleed 'doors', along with the spikes, and operated automatically under normal conditions.

The spikes were capable of moving aft and forward as a function of Mach number. While doing so, it varied the size of the inlet throat areas and the position of the shock wave extending backwards from the spikes tip. At altitude below 30,000 feet and speed of less than Mach 1.4, the spikes were locked fully forward. Above 30,000 feet the spikes began to move aft as Mach no. increased above Mach 1.6, biased with angle of attack, angle of side slip and vertical acceleration. At Mach 3.2, spikes position was 26 inches aft of its full forward position, increasing the overall inlet area from 8.7 square feet to 18.5 square feet.

The exciting part is that the spikes system and other related elements are incorporated in the VSKYLABS SR-71-TB flight dynamics model, affecting thrust, drag and other powerplant considerations.

The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': SR-71-TB is a highly advanced 'Mach-3' testbed, stretching X-Plane 12 flight dynamics and physics capabilities to its extremes!

Stay tund for much more!

JMH