The Lockheed XF-90 was built in response to a United States Air Force requirement for a long-range penetration fighter and bomber escort. The same requirement produced the McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo. Lockheed received a contract for two prototype XP-90s (redesignated XF-90 in 1948).

Feb 14, 2022 · The Lockheed XF-90 was designed to escort the delivery bombers as they made their way to their targets. Built during an era of unknowns, Lockheed’s designers made the XF-90 much more rugged than necessary.

Lockheed XF-90 on display in the Cold War Gallery of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The XF-90 was developed to meet a USAF requirement for a long-range penetration fighter. This aircraft was later used in nuclear detonation tests and is …

Apr 5, 2025 · To satisfy stress levels for the ground-attack role, the XF-90 was to be fabricated primarily in 75ST aluminium for 15 percent greater strength than the more standard 24ST over heavy forgings and machined parts. But that increased the empty weight to about 50 percent greater than its rival, the McDonnell XF-88 and that low power/weight ratio ...

One of the hottest looking fighters ever to be built, but not go into production was the Lockheed XF-90. It was the first U.S. built, swept-wing jet to be equipped with afterburners and wingtip fuel tanks as standard equipment and have fully adjustable vertical and horizontal stabilizers.

May 19, 2023 · Lockheed built two prototypes, the XF-90 numbered 46-687, and an XF-90A #46-688 with an afterburning J34-WE-15 engine—the first U.S. fighter to be designed with the now standard technology. On June 3, 1949, test pilot and former aerial racing champion Tony Levier took the XF-90 out for its first flight.

Mar 31, 2021 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Lockheed XP-90 / XF-90 Prototype Escort / Penetration Fighter Aircraft including pictures.

Dec 19, 2021 · XF-90, a Short History: In 1945, the U.S. Army Air Force issued a requirement for a “penetrating escort” jet that could accompany comparatively ponderous B-29 and B-50 strategic bombers all the way to targets over the Soviet Union.

Nov 27, 2017 · Lockheed’s XF-90 Prototypes Were Underpowered and Overbuilt, But They Sure Were Easy On The Eyes. Almost immediately after the end of World War II the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) requested a long-range jet-powered penetration/bomber escort.

Considered one of the most appealing fighters ever built, Lockheeds XF-90 enjoys a first-rate reputation with aviation enthusiasts something of a surprise, given that only two were ever built.