Goodyear GA-28A/B Convoy Fighter
By Matt Bittner
Author: Jared Zichek
Publisher: Retro Mechanix
ISBN #: 978-0-692-50433-8
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 36
The Goodyear GA-28A/B Convoy Fighter was Goodyear's foray into a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft meant to be used to defend U.S. Navy convoys. The thinking was they could be housed on smaller ships and not need the size of an aircraft carrier. You might know the two convoy fighter aircraft that contracts were awarded for: the Convair XFY-1 "Pogo" and the Lockheed XFV-1 "Salmon". Both were taken to prototype, flying stage while Goodyear was never awarded a contract for a prototype; however, Goodyear was the only company that created a full-scale mockup prior to award finalization.
The unique aspect to the GA-28 is that it was designed to be able to be converted into an aircraft that could take off "normally". It was engineered so the landing gear could change aspect to allow standard takeoff and landing. The other two were VTOLs only. It was an extremely interesting design and in a way a shame it was never made into a prototype. This book not only provides engineering sketches but also includes blueprint drawings. If you have any interest in "what-ifs" or would like to know more about the convoy fighter concept of the 1950s then this is definitely a book for you.
The publishing house – Retro Mechanix – is running a survey to find out if there is interest in creating scale models of this design so if you would like to see it in model form, then head to their site and vote.
Many thanks are given to Retro Mechanix for supplying the review copy to read. It's great to keep learning new things since I never knew this design existed.