McDonnell Douglas A-12A Avenger II
McDonnell Douglas · United States · first flew 1991 · fighter
The McDonnell Douglas A-12A Avenger II was a stealthy carrier-based attack aircraft intended to replace the A-6 Intruder, featuring a pure flying-wing delta planform; it was cancelled before completing its first flight.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.21 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cancelled stealth carrier attack aircraft — flying-wing delta
- Triangular planform with no vertical tail — pure flying wing
- Programme cancelled before first flight in 1991 due to cost overruns
The pure equilateral-triangle flying-wing planform with no fuselage or vertical surfaces is unique and would have been unmistakable in flight.
Specifications
- The McDonnell Douglas A-12A Avenger II has a length of 11.21 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.4 m (70 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The U.S. Navy awarded the A-12 development contract in 1988, but the programme suffered severe cost overruns and schedule delays; Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney cancelled it in January 1991. The aircraft was designed with internal weapons bays and low-observable shaping throughout.
Variants
No production variants were built; a single incomplete prototype existed at cancellation.
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; the programme's cancellation led to extended legal disputes between the Navy and contractors lasting decades.
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