F-72

F-72 'Sprite' and F-72D 'Seasprite'

The F-72 was an attempt to create an aircraft with the design influence of the west, as the F-68 was an obviously outdated design, originaly based on the F-50. The Resulting plane was tiny, featuring a single RAMFAN C-2 Turbofan engine, propelling it to mach 1.6 (The first Willink fighter to pass the speed of sound)and after some testing, a total of 360 were ordered. The plane entered service in 1972, and was an instant succsess with its pilots, as it was fast, manuverable, and easy to learn. Again, like the F-68, it was underarmed, but featured a modern 20mm cannon and 6 underwing hardpoints. In 1975 Willink's first Aircraft carrier was built, so work began on a navalized version, the F-72D. The plane featured an updated radar, folding wings, and an engine capable of taking off from short lengths. 62 of these were ordered, along with some 200 by the Kentuckistan Navy. The plane was upgraded to the F-72F in 1979, before being replaced by the F-100.