What if the Gannet is built with twin engines built-in to the wings, would we see it built and would it be upgraded to AEW.7?
What if the Gannet is built with twin engines built-in to the wings, would we see it built and would it be upgraded to AEW.7?
Well, we actually know that one because an aircraft to pretty much the same spec with twin wing-mounted engines actually flew - the Short Sturgeon SB.3What if the Gannet is built with twin engines built-in to the wings, would we see it built and would it be upgraded to AEW.7?
Well, we actually know that one because an aircraft to pretty much the same spec with twin wing-mounted engines actually flew - the Short Sturgeon SB.3
The problem is that single-engined handling (required for long duration anti-submarine missions, the Gannet's original task) was lethal so the two prototypes were rapidly scrapped. Once you make that a requirement (and for any first-generation turboprop it's more or less inescapable - the Tracker was piston engined so fuel burn was rather lower), the Gannet configuration is about the only acceptable one.
It's folded wingspan would be increased from 19ft 11in to 27-30ft. That would allow for a larger fuselage with more space for crew, fuel, sonar buoys, weapons and electronics, which might produce a better ASW aircraft. However, instead of the Gannet it would effectively be the Gannot because it would be a different aircraft.What if the Gannet is built with twin engines built-in to the wings, would we see it built and would it be upgraded to AEW.7?