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MILITARY AIRCRAFT Air Forces Annual National Aircraft Index Military Aircraft Types
Northrop F-89 Scorpion
 
Northrop F-89 Scorpion
Country: USA
Type: Fighter
Manufacturer: Northrop
Service: 1950 - 1969
First Flight: 16 August 1948
Production: 1050

The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered all-weather interceptor. It has the distinction of being the first aircraft armed with nuclear weapons (the Genie rocket) for air-to-air use.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ( F-89D)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 53 ft 10 in (16.4 m)
  • Wingspan: 60 ft 5 in (18.4 m)
  • Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.3 m)
  • Wing area: 606 ft (56.3 m)
  • Empty weight: 24,200 lb (11,000 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 42,250 lb (19,200 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 46,800 lb (21,200 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 x Allison J35-A-35A afterburning turbojets
    • Dry thrust: 5,600 lbf (24.9 kN) each
    • Thrust with afterburner: 7,400 lbf (32.9 kN) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 636 mph (553 knots, 1,020 km/h)
  • Range: 1,367 mi (1,188 nm, 2,200 km)
  • Service ceiling 49,200 ft (15,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 8,360 ft/min (42.5 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 69.7 lb/ft (340.4 kg/m)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.35 (3.4 N/kg)

Armament

  • Rockets:
    • 104 x 70 mm (2.75 in) "Mighty Mouse" folding-fin aerial rockets
    • 16 x 127 mm (5 in) aerial rockets on underwing racks or
  • Bombs: 3,200 lb (1,500 kg)