Scaled Composites F-44A Banshee (''Pond Fighter'')

I have always loved the unique design of Burt Rutan's Pond Racer. Too bad that aircraft had a sad ending, I think it really deserved a longer career.

In this image, I envisioned a military derivative, the Scaled Composites F/A-44A Banshee, used by the U.S. Marines in numbers as assault fighters. Banshees typically attack ships or subs in "swarms" of 20 aircraft, using the cannons installed in the propellers and an array of small-sized ordnance.

The "Banshee" name refers to the unique screeching sound of its two engines.


© Stéphane Beaumort / AviaDesign 2012