IML Addax

The IML Addax was a proposed multirole combat aircraft designed by the New Zealand IML Group. The aircraft came in 2 variants, the Addax 1 which would have been a ground attack aircraft and the Addax S which would have performed in air superiority roles. The project was cancelled after the team split up in 1982.

Development

The project was a second generation supersonic aircraft of an advanced conception, resulted from prolonged study of existing combat aircraft to see how they would complete their mission with major components missing. The Addax 1 was schemed as a STOL aircraft with 2 vectored turbofans and with an SSA (Self Stabilized Aerofoil) forming the fuselage between the tail booms. USB (Upper Surface Blowing) was to be used on the flaps on the wing of the SSA. The Addax S was a different design intended as an air superiority fighter. Both designs were configured for STOL and flight manoeuvrability.

Variants

Addax 1

Subsonic ground attack variant.

Addax S

Supersonic air superiority variant.

Specifications

Data from

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 46 ft (14 m)
• Wingspan: 44 ft (13 m)
• Height: 12 ft (3.7 m)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 740 mph (1,191 km/h; 643 kn)
• Range: 480 mi (417 nmi; 772 km) lo-lo-lo tactical radius with a maximum bombload

Armament

• Guns: 4 Oerlikon KCA 30mm cannons or 4 M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannons.
• Bombs: Internal weapon bays could carry up to ten 1,000-lb bombs and external pylons could carry an additional 3,000 Ibs.

References

Further reading

• Air international April 1983 - 'From VAX to ADDAX...the story so far.' Page 88
• Australasian Post Magazine Jan 20 1983
• Addax Superior Combat Aircraft Design" by Raymond Deeb

External links

• "Kiwis design a tank-killer for farmers". Flight International. Vol. 121 no. 3797. 13 February 1983. p. 339. ISSN 0015-3710.
• IML Addax
• IML Addax, New Zealand's design for a superfighter