Thank you for expressing interest in the LAFR Competition. The LAFR Competition is essentially a simulation of what Boeing and Lockheed are going through right now, just without the money issue and with a lot more participants. Similar to the JSF program, the LAFR is a Light Attack Fighter Reconnaissance aircraft that will fill a requirement for a small, agile aircraft that can carry out light strike and interception tasks. The aircraft will have to be able to operate from a forward base, and be able to handle light tasks from destroying a tricky enemy gun emplacement to shooting down enemy attack jets, helicopters and older fighter aircraft. Here are the official rules and guidelines: LAFR Official Rules and Guidelines
Under 50,000 pounds max TO
Under 50 feet in length
Be able to perform VTOL or STOVL if heavily loaded
Be able to carry at least 5,000 pounds of stores
Agile at low altitudes
Easy to land, even for a squaddie
Carrier Capable
At least 500nm cruise at sea level, half tank of fuel
At least 1000nm cruise at 20,000 feet
Can be either subsonic or supersonic
If using afterburners, must be able to take off without them, no melted pavement / grass fires
Max amount of thrust per engine: 25,000lbs
Aircraft proposals should have textures
Custom panel is optional, but recommended
All proposals are due by May 24th, 2001. If you need an extension on time, please contact me, I am a student... I hate due dates. This is an optimistic value. Also, there may be more then one "winner," let me explain. Like the YF-17 (F/A-18) and YF-16 competition, the Navy found one competitor more fitting then the other, as did the Air Force. Here are the categories (roles) that are available for the LAFR:
LAFR Roles
Small Fleet Defense: Able to give fleets air defense even without a carrier
Forward Base Attack: Aircraft will focus primarily on attack and precision strike, long range not necesary
Forward Base Interception: Aircraft will be able to "scramble" at incoming enemy aircraft, emphasis on sustained turns and higher speeds
Low Alitutude Recon: Aircraft must posses decent low-altitude range with stealthy features emphasized
Helo Escort/ killer: Aircraft must have good low-speed performance and range to escort rescue choppers and posses good manueverability
One aircraft may be able to fill all these roles, but I fairly doubt it. If you have any other ideas for LAFR roles, please e-mail me. That's about it as far as guidelines. The emphasis here is on creativity... no modified F-16s or F-5s... all aircraft must be original and unique. GOOD LUCK!
