Northrop XF-89 Scorpion
Northrop · United States · first flew 1948 · fighter
The Northrop XF-89 Scorpion is the prototype all-weather jet interceptor that led to the production F-89 Scorpion, the first aircraft designed from the outset as a dedicated all-weather interceptor for the USAF. It first flew on 16 August 1948.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin-jet prototype with engines in fuselage flanks |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-jet prototype with engines in fuselage flanks
- Straight mid-wing jet interceptor layout
- Prototype that led to the production F-89 Scorpion
Distinguished by its straight mid-wing layout, twin engines mounted in fuselage-flank nacelles beneath the wing roots, and the tandem two-seat cockpit with a long glazed canopy; the tip tanks or rocket pods on wingtips are characteristic of later production aircraft.
Specifications
- The Northrop XF-89 Scorpion has a length of 16.4 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.19 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 936 km/h (582 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Northrop began development of the XF-89 in response to a 1945 USAAF requirement for an all-weather interceptor. The prototype demonstrated acceptable performance and handling, leading to the production F-89 series which would serve as a backbone USAF interceptor through the 1950s armed with unguided rockets and later the AIR-2 Genie nuclear rocket.
Variants
The XF-89 prototype led to the YF-89 and then the production F-89A through F-89J series, with progressive improvements to engines, armament, and electronics.
Where you'll see it
The XF-89 itself did not serve operationally; the production F-89 series served with Air Defense Command through the late 1950s and into the 1960s with Air National Guard units.
Related aircraft
- Northrop F-89 Scorpion
- Northrop X-4 Bantam
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- Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet
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- de Havilland Vampire FB.5
- Gloster Meteor F.8
- Gloster Meteor T.7
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