V-433 Low Cost Light Attack

 

 In 1959 Chance Vought internal studies identified a need for a low cost, versatile light attack aircraft to serve the needs of the US Navy and Marine Corps. They created an unsolicited proposal for a turboprop attack aircraft with tricycle landing gear. 

The concept was for a an aircraft optimized for close support and versatility to perform the Navy attack mission. A selling point for the aircraft would be a unit cost with Government Furnished Equipment to be under $400,000 each if the order was for 500 aircraft.

The aircraft was touted to be "all-weather" with instrument flight equipment and a ground controlled all weather bombing system. It was also mentioned that provisions would be provided for pylon mounted electronic equipment to support full all weather attack missions.

The V-433 was originally to be powered by the General Electric T-64-GE-4 engine with a three bladed propeller. However, delays with that powerplant led to the selection of the Allison T-56-A-8 turning a four bladed propeller. Maximum speed at 25,000ft was projected to be .74 Mach. 

The aircraft was to have six external pylons for the carriage of weapons, ECM pods, or radar pods. In addition to conventional bombs, Bullpup and Sidewinder missiles could be carried. Normal bomb load of 3,500lbs with an short range load of 4,410lbs. The V-433 could also carry 2,000lbs of special weapons instead of conventional ordinance. 

One of the envisioned missions was helicopter escort to support the Marine Corps and supporting a vertical envelopment for approximately 3 hours with a normal external weapons load.

The V-433 was to be 35' 10" long with a wingspan of 37'.

Models by Jay Frank Dial, general arrangement courtesy of Mark N.