Multi-service common airframe-based aircraft

An aircraft comprising:

• a delta wing comprising a wing box including a plurality of ribs and spars formed of thermoplastic material, and having an underside, with a delta shape which is substantially symmetrical about a center line parallel to the direction of aircraft travel, said wing being configured to support a forebody section, an aftbody section, landing gear, a propulsion system support frame and a propulsion system;
• said forebody section including a cockpit mounted to the front of said delta wing and an inlet frame defining an air intake inlet opening below said cockpit;
• said propulsion system support frame including a plurality of substantially parallel support members mounted between a pair of lengthwise ribs, mounted to said wing beneath said forebody section and the underside of said wing;
• said propulsion system being held within said support frame, said propulsion system including lift nozzles adapted for rotation between a position where they are directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wing box, and a stowed position;
• an aftbody section mounted to the aft end of said wing, said aftbody section including a propulsion system exhaust nozzle, said propulsion system exhaust nozzle including a pair of members moveable in relation to each other so as to vary the cross-sectional area of the nozzle;
• said forebody, said propulsion unit and said aftbody being aligned such that said air inlet provides air to said jet engine and said tailpipe provides jet engine exhaust to said thrust vectoring nozzle;
• and
• landing gear mounted to said wing.