- Yes
- No
Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to introduce and suggest the Northrop YA-9A as a potential additions to the US aviation tech tree in War Thunder. The YA-9A was the direct competitor to the YA-10A in the A-X program, a competition that ultimately gave us the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog.
I’d like to give special thanks to @Disco_Shrimp for his invaluable assistance in finding primary sources for the YA-9A.
Key Characteristics
- Early 1970s attacker prototype for the A-X program.
- High-wing configuration and conventional cruciform tail, with split ailerons functioning as air brakes.
- Two Lycoming ALF 502 turbofan engines mounted in nacelles at the wing roots.
- M61A1 Vulcan 20-mm rotary cannon and several conventional bombs or rocket pods.
History
BackgroundCombat experiences during the Vietnam War highlighted the urgent need for a specialized close air support (CAS) aircraft that could operate effectively in hostile environments. The aging Douglas A-1 Skyraider, the primary CAS aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) during the conflict, struggled to survive the adversity of modern anti-aircraft platforms. This prompted the USAF to launch the A-X (Attack Experimental) program in May 1970, inviting twelve aircraft manufacturers to submit proposals for a new generation of CAS aircraft.
Key design requirements for the A-X program included:
- The ability to perform short takeoffs and landings from 2,000-foot improvised runways while carrying a full combat load.
- Sufficient range to enable extended loiter times over the battlefield.
- A higher cruising speed for rapid redeployment between combat zones.
- Compatibility with the future GAU-8 Avenger 30-mm rotary cannon, which was still under development at the time.
By December 1970, the competition was narrowed down to Fairchild-Republic and Northrop. Both companies were tasked with building prototypes, designated as the YA-10A and YA-9A, respectively. The two designs would undergo a fly-off evaluation in 1972, with the winner to be selected based on performance and operational potential.
Design and DevelopmentThe Northrop YA-9A differed significantly from its Fairchild-Republic competitor. It featured a high-wing configuration, giving it a more conventional appearance compared to the YA-10A’s low-wing design. This high-wing arrangement allowed for shorter, lighter landing gear, which contributed to weight savings. The aircraft’s large wing area, combined with high-lift airfoil sections, enabled it to perform tight, low-altitude maneuvers. Split ailerons on the wings also doubled as air brakes and could be operated asymmetrically with the rudder, enhancing weapon aiming precision.
The YA-9A employed a conventional cruciform tail design, contrasting with the YA-10A’s twin-tail layout. This choice reduced complexity, weight, and cost. Its engines, Lycoming ALF 502 geared turbofans, were mounted in nacelles at the wing roots. These engines, derived from the T55 turboshaft used in the Chinook helicopter, were less powerful and reliable than the YA-10A’s General Electric TF34s but offered cost advantages.
For armament, the YA-9A was equipped with a centerline-mounted M61A1 Vulcan 20-mm rotary cannon, positioned slightly offset from the nose landing gear. To improve survivability, the aircraft incorporated a triple-redundant hydraulic control system, foam-filled self-sealing fuel tanks, and a cockpit “bathtub” constructed from 2.5-inch aluminum alloy armor. Other critical components were shielded with 1.25-inch armor for additional protection.
The first YA-9A prototype underwent extensive wind tunnel testing throughout 1971 and achieved its maiden flight on May 30, 1972. A second prototype flew on August 23, 1972, and both were delivered to Edwards Air Force Base for the A-X fly-off evaluation.
A-X CompetitionThe official fly-off began on October 10, 1972, with Air Force test pilots evaluating both the YA-9A and YA-10A. While the YA-9A’s Lycoming engines produced 7,200 pounds of thrust each, less than the 9,280 pounds of thrust from the YA-10A’s engines, Northrop was optimistic that this would not negatively impact overall performance. The YA-9A reached a top speed of 520 mph (837 km/h), and pilots praised its fighter-like handling, excellent cockpit visibility, and ease of targeting thanks to its large rudder and flaps, which allowed for precise aiming without excessive yaw or banking.
AftermathAfter 123 test flights and 146 total flight hours, the evaluation phase concluded on December 9, 1972. While the YA-9A met all A-X program requirements, the YA-10A was declared the winner on January 18, 1973. The USAF cited several reasons for its decision, including the YA-10A’s superior engine performance, weapons loading capabilities, underwing space for larger ordnance, ground handling simplicity, and lower projected costs.
Following the competition, the two YA-9A prototypes were transferred to NASA for additional flight testing. Their engines were later repurposed for the Quiet Short-haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) project, a collaborative study between NASA and Boeing to explore quiet, short-haul commercial aircraft designs.
Today, both YA-9A prototypes survive:
- 71-1367 is in storage at Edwards Air Force Base, awaiting restoration.
- 71-1368 is displayed at the March Field Air Museum in California.
Specifications
Northrop YA-9AGeneral Characteristics
- Crew: 1 (Pilot)
- Length: 53 ft 6 in (16.3 m)
- Height: 16 ft 11.04 in (5.16 m)
- Span: 58 ft (17.68 m)
- Wing Area: 580 sq ft (53.9 m)
- Powerplant: 2 x Lycoming F-102-LD-100 turbofan engines
→ 15,000 lbf (66.72 kN) static thrust- Internal Fuel: 9,750 lb (4,422 kg)
- Oil tankage: 7.0 US gal. (26.5 L)
- Empty Weight: 20,754 lb (9,414 kg)
- Gross Weight: 30,000 lb (11,340 kg)
- Max. Takeoff Weight: 42,000 lb (19,050 kg)
- Max. External Stores: 16,000 lb (7,260 kg)
Performance
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.5
- Cruising Speed: 322 mph (518 km/h)
- Sea level Speed: 449 mph (723 km/h)
- Top Speed Achieved: 520 mph (837 km/h)
- Wing Loading: 51.72 lb/sq ft (252.5 kg/sq m)
- Rate of Climb: 5,000 fpm (25 m/s)
- Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)
- Combat Range: 576 miles (927 km)
- Max. Range: 3,622 miles (5,830 km)
Armament
- Guns:
- 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan gatling gun (635 rounds)
- Pylons Count:
- 10
- Possible Bombs Loadout:
- General-Purpose Mk 80 Series
- 250-lb bombs
- 500-lb bombs
- 1,000-lb bombs
- 2,000-lb bombs
- Incredinary bombs
- Cluster bombs
- Possible Rockets Loadout:
- Mighty Mouse 2.75-inch (70-mm) rockets & pod
- Zuni 5-inch (127-mm) rockets & pod
- Provisions for Production
- AIM-9 Sidewinders
- AGM-65 Mavericks
- Drop Tanks:
- 2 x external jettisonable fuel tanks
- Others:
- Flare dispensers
Supplemental Data
Conclusion | YA-9A’s place in War Thunder
Before I discuss the YA-9A’s potential place in War Thunder, I want to clarify that this is purely my opinion and may not align with how Gaijin chooses to implement the aircraft in the game. Alright, first of all, since the YA-9A lost the A-X competition, it never advanced to the production phase and therefore lacked provisions for advanced weaponry like Sidewinders or Mavericks. The aircraft wasn’t designed with these systems in mind, leaving it with more basic armaments: the M61A1 Vulcan cannon, free-fall bombs, and rocket pods.
Given this, I believe the YA-9A would be an excellent addition as a filler aircraft to bridge the battle rating gap in the U.S. attacker line. It could sit between BR 5.7 (AD-2/-4) and 7.0 (F3D-1) or between 7.0 (F3D-1) and 8.3 (F-84F), depending on how it fits best. Unlike the A-10s at higher BRs, the YA-9A would have the opportunity to face superprop fighters and early first-generation jets, making it less likely to be outclassed by more powerful second- or third-generation aircraft. While it would behave similarly to the A-10 in air realistic battles, the YA-9A would likely offer a more balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience in this role.
I’d like to see this implementation of the YA-9A in War Thunder as it would give this unique CAS aircraft a chance to take to the skies and provide us with something fresh and different from the familiar A-10 aircraft.
- Northrop A-9A Pilot’s Briefing Notes (May 1972)
- Northrop A-9A Development Program Flight Manual (1 September 1972)
- American Attack Aircraft Since 1926 (2008)
- Northrop YA-9 - Wikipedia
- As Sweet as a Warthog! The Northrop YA-9A - Forgotten Aircraft - Military Matters
- Northrop YA-9 Close Air Support Aircraft Prototype
- The Close Call of the Northrop YA-9A Prototype - FLYING Magazine
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
