video: Lockheed Martin new UCAV

appearances are deceptive. Various is not a fast jet despite its swept wings and tails: it is designed for a 220 knot cruise speed, mainly to address a Marine requirement for a UCAV that can match the speed of the V-22. Top speed is 320 knots and it can loiter efficiently at 160 knots.

So why the swept wings? The semi-blended design with the long-chord inner wings is needed to provide a home for the lift fans on the vehicle's center of gravity. At the same time, sweepback is needed to balance the vehicle properly. And the big V-tails are not there for high-g maneuvering, but to provide adequate control authority during transition.

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