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by 
The United Kingdom of Great Britain GB.
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United Kingdom | Project Replica
▒ CROWN & COUNTRY ▒
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R—E—P—L—I—C—A
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Type | Stealth Strike Aircraft |
Origin | |
Manufacturer | BAE Systems |
Developed | 1994–1999 |
Full-scale model | 1999 |
Project resumed | 2003 |
Status | Technology demonstrator / Testbed |
Built | 1 |
Specifications
Length | 20.8 m (68 ft 3 in) |
Wingspan | 15.3 m (50.34 ft) |
Height | 4.8 m (15.74 ft) |
Crew | 2 |
Configuration | Twin-seat, V-tail |
Construction | Carbon-fibre composites |
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The BAE Systems Replica was a British stealth aircraft design study that BAE Systems worked on during the 1990s, as part of the Royal Air Force's Future Offensive Air System (FOAS) program. This project aimed to explore how low-observability technology could be integrated into a future strike aircraft, striking a balance between reduced radar visibility and the practicalities of manufacturing and costs. The Replica was imagined as a twin-seat strike aircraft, featuring a sleek V-tail design and an internal weapons bay. Its low-observable airframe was crafted to minimize radar cross-section, while the internal weapons bay helped cut down on external radar reflections. The proposed weapons bay was designed to hold ASRAAM air-to-air missiles for self-defense, along with laser-guided bombs weighing around 2,000 lb. A full-scale model was completed in 1999. Although it never made it to the flying prototype stage, the testbed went through a thorough testing program, including assessments of its radar cross-section. BAE Systems utilized computer-aided design and precision manufacturing techniques to create its carbon-fiber composite panels, enabling engineers to explore the tight manufacturing tolerances necessary for low-observable construction. The Replica project was kept under wraps during its early development. In 2003, the project saw a revival, and further work was done using the existing testbed to advance research into low-observability technology. This subsequent work concentrated on modifications to its coatings and structure, yielding valuable insights into radar signatures, composite construction, manufacturing techniques, and cutting-edge aircraft design.
Designed by 
Paramountica, Assembled for Commonwealth of Liberty.
Paramountica, Assembled for Commonwealth of Liberty.