In article , Freedom Elz
writes

Scott Ferrin wrote in message
.. .
On 8 Jun 2004 22:51:01 -0700, (George) wrote:

"Harley W Daugherty" wrote in message
hlink.net...

Kestrel, a small fast and maneuverable bird of prey.

Harley


That's about the only one I've heard that follows the USAF tradition
(at least the last three) of naming their fighter planes after birds
of prey. However, if we followed the Air Force trend, it may **** off
the swabbies.


The thing is the Kestrel has already been used. The Harrier
predecessor/prototype/experimental thing-a-ma-bob was called the
Kestrel. Most of the bird types are taken. You already have Eagles,
Falcons, Hawks, and so forth.

I think Screech Owl would be a good one, don't think its ever been used.



The Do 17Z-6 and the Do 215B were called Kauz (= Screech Owl), and there
was the He 219 Uhu (= Eagle Owl), of course.

Don't forget the Curtiss O-52 Owl.

It's always a problem finding new names as practically everything with
an aggressive slant has been used in the past. Apart from barrel-
scrapings such as Raptor, that is. Rolls-Royce used birds of prey for
its piston engines, from Falcon to Merlin to Eagle, and the Miles
company also used them for its aircraft in the thirties and forties:
Falcon, Hobby, Sparrowhawk, etc.

Perhaps something astronomical (to match the costs) following Lockheed
tradition? Venus is topical right now, but I can't see that being used
somehow. Lockheed Nova? Shades of GM, and images of something going bang
in a bright flash...
The only star name I can find that begins with L is Lesath, and that's
not really too exciting.

How about Levitator for the VTOL version?
--
Peter

Ying tong iddle-i po!