The ARES, Scaled Model 151, was designed initially in response to a U.S. Army request for a Low Cost Battlefield Attack Aircraft (LCBAA). A design study was performed by Rutan Aircraft Factory in 1981 for such an aircraft. Its mission goals were low-altitude, close air support, with long endurance, and with adequate field performance to operate from roads.
Scaled followed up with the concept, and ultimately decided to build a demonstrator aircraft with internal funds. The ARES first flew on February 19, 1990. ARES has flown more than 250 hours, and demonstrated all of its design performance and handling qualities goals, including departure-free handling at full aft stick. During November of 1991, tests of the GAU-12/U gun system installed in ARES were performed, with outstanding results.
Movie buffs may also remember the ARES in its role as the secret ME-263 jet in the screen classic Iron Eagle III.
ARES is currently available for use as a research test bed.
Description taken from website link below:
http://www.scaled.com/projects/ares
*Also, one of the pics below is of the real world ARES 151. I just wanted those who've never seen it before the model to have a look at the real thing.
Scaled followed up with the concept, and ultimately decided to build a demonstrator aircraft with internal funds. The ARES first flew on February 19, 1990. ARES has flown more than 250 hours, and demonstrated all of its design performance and handling qualities goals, including departure-free handling at full aft stick. During November of 1991, tests of the GAU-12/U gun system installed in ARES were performed, with outstanding results.
Movie buffs may also remember the ARES in its role as the secret ME-263 jet in the screen classic Iron Eagle III.
ARES is currently available for use as a research test bed.
Description taken from website link below:
http://www.scaled.com/projects/ares
*Also, one of the pics below is of the real world ARES 151. I just wanted those who've never seen it before the model to have a look at the real thing.
