Northrop YA-9A - The "Got It All Right" Loser of the A-X Program

[Nostalgistic]

Would you like to see this in-game?

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Northrop YA-9A

   Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to introduce and suggest the Northrop YA-9A as a potential addition 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

Background

Combat 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 Development

The 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 less 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 Competition

The 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.

Aftermath

After 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-9A

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (Pilot)
• Dimensions:
  • 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
  • Output: 15,000 lbf (66.72 kN) static thrust
• Fuel/Oil:
  • Internal Fuel: 9,750 lb (4,422 kg)
  • Oil: 7.0 US gal. (26.5 L)
• Weights:
  • Empty: 20,754 lb (9,414 kg)
  • Gross: 30,000 lb (11,340 kg)
  • Max. Takeoff: 42,000 lb (19,050 kg)
  • Max. External Stores: 16,000 lb (7,260 kg)

Performance

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.5
• Wing Loading: 51.72 lb/sq ft (252.5 kg/sq m)
• Airspeeds:
  • Cruising: 322 mph (518 km/h)
  • Sea level: 449 mph (723 km/h)
  • Top Speed Achieved: 520 mph (837 km/h)
• Climb Performance:
  • Rate of Climb: 5,000 fpm (25 m/s)
  • Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)
• Ranges:
  • Combat: 576 miles (927 km)
  • Max.: 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
  • Incendiary 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

Cockpit

Images

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.

Sources

• 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

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

[JamesPond1200-psn]

I’d very much like to be able to play this! It gets overshadowed by the winner of the competition for obvious reasons, but it is a cool plane nonetheless! +1

[bbbdddaaa]

Woohoo
Always wanted this +1

[SinisterIsRandom]

+1. A certain country “100%” didn’t take the design. 91.

[Nostalgistic]

NORTHROP YA-9 FIRST FLIGHT TEST FILM A-10 THUNDERBOLT RIVAL 85354

Northrop A-9 and Fairchild Republic A-10 Briefing

YA-9 and YA-10 from 1972 at EAFB #TBT

[BasherBenDawg8]

Big +1, as I’ve been waiting for this a long time! American Su-25 if you will! Would love to see a production standard ingame with CMs and mavericks especially,

[UnknownVariable]

The American Frogfoot lol epic +1!

[PercussionCap]

@Nostalgistic

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.

YA-9 had CCIP for all its weapons, so even 8.3 might be too low.

[Nostalgistic]

You’re right. I should have clarified my proposal for BR placement is for the Air RB, which is my initial POV. I don’t think it’d matter a lot in ARB, right? Naturally, in GRB, the YA-9A will see its BR go up.

[PercussionCap]

Oh yeah, Air RB that’s pretty fair.

[Pangolin_Fan]

If it only gets dumb weapons, then 8.3/7 makes sense, especially compared to things like SAAB-105

[Neobushido]

Given its status its not really fitting as a tech tree addition. Exclusively event ,BP, squadron or premium

[WalletWorrier]

should replace the A-10A (and the Late renamed), but since that’s unlikely it’s most likely to be an event/BP vehicle

[SinisterIsRandom]

Man someone doesn’t like me mentioning a certain very familiar design to the YA-9.
Anyway, Add the YA-9 it was simply better than that other very very similar-looking aircraft.
Mostly also want this cause honestly think the YA-9 would be a pretty good replacement for the A-10 irl, story for another time.

[bbbdddaaa]

Ah yeah the stupid “France/china/russia copied it allegations”

1. This is irrelevant
2. this is false info

[SinisterIsRandom]

It’s not like we already know the Su-25 was inspired/copied from the design of the YA-9 that’s been clear for a very long time. Especially because the Soviets back in the 70s took an interest in its design. For its appearance ->Armored, and his high maneuverability.

Anyway, it would be nice to see the YA-9A in the game. Mostly talking about this since I’m somewhat a fan of the YA-9.

[Disco_Shrimp]

@SinisterIsRandom

It’s not like we already know the Su-25 was inspired/copied from the design of the YA-9 that’s been clear for a very long time. Especially because the Soviets back in the 70s took an interest in its design.

Except it wasn’t. This is just another case of two similar things coming into existence under different circumstances.

The story of the Su-25 can be traced back to February 1968, where Colonel I. V. Savchenko, after an informal meeting with Sukhoi OKB lead designer O. S. Samoylovich about the use of attack aircraft in the close air support role for troops. Existing attack aircraft were supersonic designs in order to avoid destruction by enemy air defenses, which make accurate strikes in troop support very difficult. Samoylovich then moved Yu. V. Ivashechkin from the T-4 design team to the T-8 design team.

On May 12, 1968, Yu. V. Ivashechkin and Col D. N. Gorbachev (ret.) set out requirements for such an aircraft and studied existing attack aircraft designs, both foreign (A-4, A-7, OV-10B, Saab 105) and domestic (Su-6, Su-8, Il-10, Il-20, and Il-40). Starting in August 29, 1968, a model of the aircraft, known as SPB, had been completed by September. It actually shares much more in common with the Swedish Saab 105 rather than the Northrop YA-9A, which hadn’t even been finalized at this point. Unfortunately, the design had been rejected as the VVS was still focused on supersonic strike aircraft rather than those in troop support.

By a stroke of luck, however, the VVS in March 19, 1969 published a set of requirements for an attack aircraft (This is probably in response to the American A-X Program, if at all). Several bureaus had submitted designs, including the Il-42, Yak-LSh, and MiG 7-23. While Sukhoi was well ahead of the game, the SPB had to be modified to meet the new requirements and, by early 1970, became the LSSh.

Unfortunately the VVS modified the requirements again in August 1971, and the LSSh was no longer within the requirements. Until the requirements were then reverted on November 27, 1971, Sukhoi developed an attacker based on the Su-15 known as the T-58Sh. After the compromise was reached, T-8 development resumed on January 6, 1972 under the designation LVSSh. By the end of 1972, the T8-1 and T8-2 prototypes were built (albeit “illegally”) and hidden from officials for 2 years until they were “legally constructed” (the design being given the go ahead by officials) by 1974.

So, all in all, not related to the YA-9A.

Photo of the SPB mockup

Photo of the LSSh mockup

Photo of the LVSSh mockup

Photo of the T8-1 prototype

Anyway, thanks for the shout-out Nostalgistic! I’m always around to help anyone however I can with information. I wish the YA-9A design had matured enough for the proposed Sidewinder and Maverick capabilities to be tested, since there was the provision for that as seen in the instrument panel layout image you have.

[SinisterIsRandom]

Su-25 came in 1975.
YA-9->1972.

[bbbdddaaa]

Ah yeah just because it’s later doesn’t make it a ripoff
Yes YA-9 is nice but just that you hate Su-25 does not make it some ripoff

[SinisterIsRandom]

It’s a rip-off in my eyes, whether you like that or not. It is. It’s called an opinion. While that opinion may be subjective to you. Does not affect me since it’s not going to change. The SU-25 is nothing more than a cheap copy of the YA-9. That managed to prove that the design is capable of seeing service.