A-12 Avenger II - The Full Scale Mockup On Display

The General Dynamics / McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II Full Scale Mockup was publicly displayed for the first time on June 29 & 30, 1996, at the Carswell JRB Open House in Fort Worth, Texas.

The A-12 FSM was displayed in an open hangar, making for less than optimal photographic lighting conditions - not to mention the throngs of people trying to escape the hot Texas sun...

My observations:

  • The canopy is a very large one-piece affair, and hinges to the starboard side.
  • The Intakes are baffled/louvered, not unlike the B-1B.
  • The lower intake lip looks as if it might hinge downward to increase intake area, much like the B-1B and the Eurofighter.
  • The ducted exhaust was centrally located at aft edge of the lower surface, no thrust vectoring.
  • The outboard wing panels have leading edge slats.
  • Radar/sensors are located behind conformal panels in the leading edge, just outboard of the intakes.
  • External stores could be carried, primarily fuel tanks.
  • Refueling probe extends from the upper side, starboard of the canopy, much like the F-14 or F/A-18.
  • Internal bays carried weapons on trapezes, much like the F-117A and YF-22.
  • The cockpit was fully mocked up and looked a lot like an F-15E.

    General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems) has donated the A-12 FSM to the Alliance Aviation Museum group for eventual display in their (as yet unbuilt) museum at Alliance Airport north of Fort Worth, Texas.

    • Click On The Thumbnail To View Large Image

    Front view as seen from outside the hangar Front view as seen from outside the hangar
    Closeup of the front and intakes Closeup of the port intake (with plexiglas cover)
    Side (profile) view of the A-12 FSM Underside view - note centered exhaust opening & LE slats

    Here are some photos of the A-12 FSM that appeared in General Dynamics (now LMTAS) Code One magazine, courtesy of Eric Hehs. The photos were taken by Katsuhike Tokunaga. These shots show some detail of the landing gear and bay doors. The port (left) side of the aircraft was detailed with landing gear and weapon bays, while the starboard (right) side was not. These details are partially visible in these photos. The inner bay door is for the internal bomb bay, the middle door is for the main landing gear, and the outer door is for an internal missile bay. Also note the "V" shaped formation light strips at the wingtips and the triangular formation light just behind the canopy.

    View of the A-12 FSM from above Front view showing landing gear and bay doors


    Back to the Habu Home Page...