Northrop F-89 Scorpion
ManufacturerNorthrop
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion is an all-weather, twin-engined interceptor aircraft designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Northrop Corporation. It was the first jet-powered aircraft designed as an interceptor to enter service, the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air nuclear weapons, and among the first U.S. fighters to carry guided missiles. The name Scorpion came from the aircraft's elevated tail unit and high-mounted horizontal stabilizer, which kept it clear of the engine exhaust.
The Scorpion was designed by Northrop to a specification issued by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during August 1945. Internally designated the N-24, it was originally designed with a relatively slim fuselage, buried Allison J35 turbojet engines, and a swept-wing configuration. The design was changed to a relatively thin straight wing that improved low-speed performance at the cost of top speed. In March 1946, the USAAF selected the N-24 for development, approving an initial contract for two aircraft, designated XP-89, on 13 June 1946.
On 16 August 1948, the prototype performed its maiden flight from Muroc Army Air Field. The XP-89 was found to be faster and more promising...
The Scorpion was designed by Northrop to a specification issued by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during August 1945. Internally designated the N-24, it was originally designed with a relatively slim fuselage, buried Allison J35 turbojet engines, and a swept-wing configuration. The design was changed to a relatively thin straight wing that improved low-speed performance at the cost of top speed. In March 1946, the USAAF selected the N-24 for development, approving an initial contract for two aircraft, designated XP-89, on 13 June 1946.
On 16 August 1948, the prototype performed its maiden flight from Muroc Army Air Field. The XP-89 was found to be faster and more promising...
