The Northrop YA-9 is a prototype attack aircraft developed for the United States Air Force A-X program. The YA-9 was passed over in preference for the Fairchild Republic YA-10 that entered production as the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Designed by Northrop in the early-1970s, the YA-9 Ground Attack Aircraft was developed in response to a request by the US Air Force for a rugged, close air support aircraft capable of destroying the heaviest Soviet tanks and armored vehicles.

2024年12月3日 · The Northrop YA-9 was Northrop's answer to the need for a close air support aircraft required by the United States Air Force A-X program. The Northrop YA-9 competed with but lost to the Fairchild Republic YA-10, which was then developed into the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

2023年7月11日 · In the mid-1960s, the Air Force presented aircraft manufacturers with a challenge: design an aircraft to replace the aging Douglas A-1 Skyraider. One answer was the Northrop YA-9A prototype.

2021年8月20日 · Six companies entered submissions, but only two, the Fairchild YA-10 and the Northrop YA-9 were awarded development contracts. Northrop built two YA-9A prototypes, these both flying in 1972. In contrast to the A-10 , the A-9 had a more conventional appearance.

2019年5月25日 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Northrop YA-9 Close Air Support Aircraft Prototype including pictures. The global defense reference actively compiled since 2003

2023年2月21日 · Northrop A-9A lost to A-10 Thunderbolt II A down-to-earth ground attack machine. Built to the same specifications as the YA-10, Northrop’s design shared many characteristics with its competitor. It was a very robust machine, capable of withstanding hits by Soviet-made 23mm anti-aircraft weapons.

2023年2月25日 · The Northrop YA-9 was a prototype attack aircraft developed for the US Air Force A-X program, but it was canceled in favor of the Fairchild Republic YA-10. The YA-9 was designed to have long loiter time, low-speed maneuverability, massive cannon firepower, and extreme survivability.

The sad reality is that the YA-9 and A-10 were born of a concept best depicted in initial artists impressions as being a jet powered Skyraider toting multiple-MER worth of Mk.82 over a fireball exploding out of the jungle.

The March Field Museum received the YA-9A in 1981 from the NASA Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Ca. - Photo taken at Riverside - March ARB (AFB / Field) (RIV / KRIV) in California, USA on February 14, 2004.