The Republic Aviation AP-100 was a project for a

VTOL A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is one that can takeoff and landing, take off and land vertically without relying on a runway. This classification can include a variety of types of aircraft including helicopters as well as thrust- ...

, six-turbojet engined, nuclear capable, strike fighter concept. It had three ducted fans in the centre of its fuselage and tail and was a possible contender for the

TFX Program The United States Air Force and Navy were both seeking new aircraft when Robert McNamara was appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 1961. The aircraft sought by the two armed services shared the need to carry heavy armament and fuel loads ...

.Aviation Week and Space Technology, Lift-Fan Tests Show VTOL Potential. August 8, 1960 The project was designated as a "fighter", but in fact was a tactical attack aircraft capable of delivering a small nuclear bomb. The weight of the aircraft would have been with its engines generating of thrust.

Specifications (AP-100, as designed)

References

External links

Video: Republic AP-100 model testing
{{Republic aircraft Republic aircraft VTOL aircraft Six-engined jet aircraft 1950s United States attack aircraft Cancelled military aircraft projects of the United States Lift fan Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear