North American XA2J Super Savage

North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1952 · bomber

The North American XA2J Super Savage was a large US Navy carrier-based turboprop strike aircraft intended to succeed the AJ Savage in the nuclear delivery role. Although it flew in 1952, it was cancelled before entering production.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Carrier-based turboprop nuclear strike aircraft
• Large straight-wing with contra-rotating propellers
• AJ Savage successor prototype

A very large, straight-wing carrier aircraft with two turboprop engines driving contra-rotating propellers, a high cockpit, and folding wingtips for carrier stowage. Its great size distinguishes it from contemporary carrier types.

Specifications

• The North American XA2J Super Savage has a length of 21.42 m (70 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 21.8 m (72 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 726 km/h (451 mph).
• Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed as a more capable successor to the piston-powered AJ Savage, the XA2J used Allison T40 turboprop engines with contra-rotating propellers to achieve higher performance while retaining the range needed for nuclear strike missions. The programme was cancelled in favour of jet-powered alternatives.

Variants

Only two XA2J prototypes were built; the type never reached production status.

Where you'll see it

The XA2J never entered US Navy service; the nuclear strike role it was designed for was eventually filled by the Douglas A3D Skywarrior and other jet-powered types.

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• North American F-100 Super Sabre
• North American YF-93
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• Avro Vulcan B.1
• Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
• Convair YB-60

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