| In 1981 the USAF Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) awarded contracts to General Dynamics (and other defense contractors) to explore design concepts for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, which eventually resulted in the USAF F-22 Raptor. General Dynamics studied a wide range of designs, including a conventional aircraft called "Plain Jane", a small inexpensive fighter dubbed "Bushwhacker", a large fighter called "Missileer", and a highly stealthy all-wing fighter known as "Sneaky Pete". |
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As the ATF program progressed, contractors began teaming with each other.
General Dynamics teamed with Lockheed and Boeing to develop the YF-22,
and McDonnell Douglas teamed with Northrop to develop the YF-23.
Obviously, the YF-22 looks nothing like the A-12, but GD's "Sneaky Pete" design studies were not forgotten. GD also became a player in the US Navy's Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) program. General Dynamics teamed with McDonnell Douglas on the ATA program, even though they were on opposing teams for the USAF ATF program. GD and MDD resurrected Sneaky Pete as a basis for the Navy's ATA design, resulting in the distictive shape of the A-12 Avenger II. |
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