THE YOUNG HERBIG AE BE STAR LKH-ALPHA-349

We present observations of the unique pre-main sequence object LkH alp ha 349, the central star of the cometary nebula IC 1396A. The optical spectrum is dominated by strong P Cygni Balmer and Na D lines and the broad and shallow absorption lines of a rapidly rotating Fs star. The blue-shifted P Cygni absorption wings extend to 500-700 km s(-1) and a re indicative of a very strong stellar wind. The spectral energy distr ibution from the optical through the far-infrared is that of a single F star with moderate extinction, a radius of 8.4 R(.) (L=84 L(.)), and no obvious contribution from a circumstellar disk The deconvolved abs orption line broadening function shows a v sin i of 193 +/- 12 km s(-1 ), suggesting that LkH alpha 349 is rotating at near break-up. LkH alp ha 349 sits in the middle of a substantial circumstellar ''hole'' whic h it may have blown out of IC 1396A. All of these characteristics can be understood if LkH alpha 349 is a pre-main sequence star of intermed iate mass (greater than or similar to 3 M(.)) on its way towards becom ing a Herbig Be star. The wind must be the star's response to the prob lem of rotating so quickly while rapidly contracting down to the main sequence. Due to the very short contraction times expected for interme diate-mass stars, LkH alpha 349 gives us a rare glimpse of a young sta r during a very short but important period in its pre-main sequence