On Sat, 27 Dec 2003 17:27:09 +0000, Greg Hennessy
wrote:

On Sat, 27 Dec 2003 15:47:17 GMT, Ed Rasimus wrote:

And, after retirement from
active duty, I worked for Northrop Aircraft Division, where we still
had the A-9 files available for program review.


Having has access to the paperwork for the A9, how did it rate IYHO ?
Interesting that the otherside went for a similar planform for the Su-25.

I didn't have an opportunity to review the fly-off comparisons. I was
primarily involved with training system development as part of the
YF-23 proposal (the RFP required a total package of not only aircraft
but aircrew and maintenance training as well.). I also did PATS
proposal work (Primary Aircrew Training System)--a follow-on to the
T-37. Lots of interactive simulator flying as well. (Hope these
disclosures don't force Dudley to have to initiate action to silence
me with prejudice. ;-) ))

My very humble opinion was that while the company was very innovative
and certainly had the production infrastructure in place for either
A-9, F-17, F-20 or F-23 production, the management was not as tight as
I think was necessary to meet program goals. Did I say that tactfully
enough?? It may have been an impression that only occurred at the
angle that I was viewing the big picture from.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8