North American YF-93

North American Aviation · United States · first flew 1950 · fighter

The North American YF-93 was a 1950 USAF penetration fighter prototype developed as an evolution of the F-86 Sabre, featuring flush fuselage-side air intakes and a more powerful engine for long-range escort and strike missions.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• 1950 US penetration fighter prototype evolved from F-86
• Flush NACA intake ducts on fuselage sides replacing nose intake
• Single Pratt & Whitney J48 turbojet in rear fuselage

Closely resembles an F-86 Sabre but with the distinctive nose intake removed and replaced by flush NACA-style scoops on the lower fuselage sides, giving a more pointed nose and cleaner frontal profile.

Specifications

• The North American YF-93 has a length of 13.44 m (44 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 11.81 m (39 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1139 km/h (708 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Ordered as the F-86C, the design was substantially revised and redesignated YF-93A. Two prototypes flew in January and April 1950. The YF-93 lost the USAF penetration fighter competition to the McDonnell F-88, and the programme was cancelled. Lessons from its NACA-duct intake influenced later designs.

Variants

Two YF-93A prototypes were built; no production followed.

Where you'll see it

The YF-93 did not enter service; both prototypes were later used as NACA research aircraft.

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