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Saunders-Roe P.154

1952 COLD WAR X-PLANE

History

There was a time in the history of military aviation when rocket-powered fighter/interceptors were considered the potential future of air combat. This approach was established around the time of World War II (1939-1945), when German engineers realized that the Messerschmitt Me 163 "Komet" was a single-seat, single-engine, rocket-powered fighter/interceptor (the page for details).

The design is not without its problems, as its fuel is very volatile - making its pilots as dangerous as any Allied bomber - and supplies run out quickly - allowing small fighters to survive while intercepting bomber formations Capability is very limited; perhaps enough to complete two strafings into the group. On top of that, there was no landing gear, which forced the pilot to land the plane on a simplified belly-mounted skid, on a relatively flat open field.

This approach resulted in a vision that the future of air combat would be dominated by fast and maneuverable rocket-powered fighters capable of excellent airspeeds and excellent rates of climb. It is for this purpose that many projects have been developed in the UK, although very few have been realized due to the post-war crisis - in the foreseeable future turbojets will eventually become the main component of fighter jets, allowing rocket-centric vehicles A space program powered by the Cold Age War (1947-1991) emerged.

Concerns about the growing capabilities of Soviet bombers and reconnaissance aircraft are driving demand for missile-powered interceptors, as these high-flying terrors could push the limits of ground-based air defenses and the manned interceptors they depend on, sucking Gas turbojet engine. Thus, a rocket-powered interceptor could provide the answer, offering a range of 60,000 feet and beyond, and providing a direct counter-attack against looting enemy fighters.

Against this background, the British group Saunders-Roe in the "P. 154", which he considers to be a sonic missile-powered interceptor. The company has long been known as a maker of airships, whose designs were used for a variety of purposes during World War II.

However, it also knows how to push the boundaries of aviation design, as its role in aviation history has led to many forward-looking and unique proposals in the post-World War II era.

The design of this aircraft is unmistakably modern by 1950s standards, with a short nose cone assembly in front of the single-seat pressurized cockpit. The pilot sits under a two-piece canopy that usually provides unobstructed views (though the stern is partially obscured by the raised rear of the fuselage). The main-wing aircraft is located amidships (and mounted midships on both sides of the fuselage) while having a large surface area. The leading edge gets a good sweep in the high-speed flight range, while the trailing edge is offset in a straight line, which also includes the necessary control surfaces. The tail has only one vertical tail, and the elevators are mounted lower (but above the main aircraft wash).

Inside will be a dual-chamber rocket engine with a combined output of 8,000 pounds of thrust (pilots can choose one or both chambers depending on the phase of flight: general cruise or high-speed intercept as needed). Because rocket engines don't need air to breathe (like turbojets do), there are no air intakes.

The single exhaust is positioned at the very end of the design and under the rear wing in the usual manner via a conventional ring.