SNCAC NC.1070

History

After the end of World War II in 1945, the French Navy struggled to regain its legitimacy, and the service initially adopted a number of surplus equipment types from the United States and the United Kingdom. Eventually, over time, the homegrown project fulfilled existing local requirements and became SNCAC "NC.

1070" as one such attempt. The move is aimed at meeting the needs of the French Navy for ship-based, torpedo or bomb-carrying anti-ship attack platforms. Three prototypes were contracted, and up to 100 production-quality aircraft were envisioned.

The aircraft was originally intended to have a crew of three and was arranged in a twin-engine, twin-arm design with a central fuselage spanned by a main straight-wing aircraft. Each major aircraft is powered by a 1,500-horsepower Gnome-Rhone (SNECMA) 14 R-25 series air-cooled 14-cylinder radial-piston engine, which is used to power the three-blade powerplant. The boom extends from the engine nacelle in a conventional manner and terminates at the rear of the aircraft, where a dual vertical tail configuration is installed.

On top of these two structures are placed horizontal stabilizers, which are located on a fixed horizontal plane. A conventional tricycle (retractable) landing gear will be used for ground operations.

Structurally, the aircraft has a barrel length of 33.5 feet, a wingspan of 65.6 feet, and a height of 15 feet. The kerb weight is 17,305 pounds and the MTOW is 23,600 pounds. Size was especially important because the planes had to be neatly stowed on an aircraft carrier of that era.

For armament, it is recommended that aircraft mount 2 x 20mm MG151 autocannons on fixed forward-firing mounts and 2 x 20mm MG151 autocannons in SAMM AB211 series turrets (the latter are mainly used for self-defense). Can carry up to 4,410 pounds of supplies, including conventionally dropped bombs or aerial torpedoes.

The first prototype of the program flew for the first time on May 25, 1947. Further testing revealed that the aircraft, despite its twin-engine configuration, was severely underpowered - even without a rear turret or primary stationary armament.

After being damaged on landing in March 1948, the aircraft was neither repaired nor continued in service.

Tested, NC. The 1070 has a top speed of 360 mph, a range of up to 1,835 miles, and a service ceiling of 32,640 feet.

Focus now shifts to the same design powered by 2 Rolls-Royce "Nene" turbojets - "NC. 1071". This example flew for the first time on October 12, 1948, but without bringing about the performance improvements that had been made, the program was discontinued altogether.

Specification

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Production

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) History

With the success that was the Sukhoi Su-17 "Fitter" swing-wing product, it was only natural for Soviet authorities to allow its sale to global allies and this endeavor provided the basis for the Su-20 "Fitter-C" export mark - based largely on the Su-17M (S-32MK model). The Su-20 was delivered with a ranging radar system, improved navigation suite, and a modern attack system while being powered by an AL-21F-3 24,800 lb thrust engine.

The aircraft also appeared in limited export quantity as a reconnaissance variant under the designation of "Su-20R" - these being based on the Su-17R reconnaissance model. The Su-17 was later developed into a much-improved export variant recognized as "Su-22".

Armament included 2 x 30mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 series internal cannons for close-in work. The airframe also held some ten hardpoints for the carrying of various air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. Its crew was one and the export model retained much of the form and function of the Soviet line.

Operational use of the Su-20 fell to Egypt, Poland, and Syria where they served in the fighter-bomber and ground attack roles.

Sukhoi Su-20 (Fitter-C) Specification

BASICS

MANUFACTURING

ROLES

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHTS

POWER

PERFORMANCE

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS