Northrop F-89 Scorpion
Northrop · United States · first flew 1948 · fighter
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was a subsonic American all-weather jet interceptor designed to detect and destroy Soviet bombers, notable for its twin engines mounted on the sides of the fuselage and its large wingtip pods housing rockets or fuel tanks. It was the first US aircraft to carry nuclear air-to-air rockets.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US all-weather interceptor with straight mid-wing and twin jets
- Large wing-tip pods housing rockets or fuel
- Radar operator in rear tandem cockpit
Large straight-winged twin-jet interceptor with engines mounted in nacelles on the fuselage sides, distinctive bulbous wingtip pods and a tandem two-seat cockpit; the unusual fuselage-mounted engine pair is the key recognition feature.
Specifications
- The Northrop F-89 Scorpion has a length of 16.4 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.2 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1023 km/h (636 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1948 and entering service in 1950, the Scorpion was developed to provide Air Defense Command with a capable all-weather interceptor. The F-89D variant became the most produced, carrying 104 Mighty Mouse unguided rockets in its wingtip pods. The F-89H and J could carry the MB-1 Genie nuclear rocket, making the Scorpion the first aircraft cleared to fire an air-to-air nuclear weapon in a live test over Nevada in 1957.
Variants
The F-89A through C were development variants; the F-89D was the major production version; the F-89H and J added guided missiles and nuclear rockets.
Where you'll see it
Operated solely by the USAF Air Defense Command from 1950 to the mid-1960s; replaced by the F-101 Voodoo and F-102 Delta Dagger.
Related aircraft
- Northrop X-4 Bantam
- Northrop XF-89 Scorpion
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- Gloster Meteor F.8
- Gloster Meteor T.7
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