Northrop
F-89
Scorpion
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Paterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
Northrop designed the F-89 as an all-weather fighter-interceptor for the Air Defense Command. With the radar operator in the rear seat guiding the pilot, the F-89 could locate, intercept and destroy enemy aircraft by day or night under all types of weather conditions. The first F-89 made its initial flight in August 1948 and deliveries to the Air Force began in July 1950. Northrop produced a total of 1,050 F-89s for the Air Force.

On July 19, 1957, an F-89J (a modified F-89D) fired a Genie test rocket with a nuclear warhead, and it detonated over a Nevada test range. It marked the first launch of an air-to-air rocket with a nuclear warhead. Northrop converted 350 F-89Ds to J models, Air Defense Command's first fighter-interceptor to carry nuclear armament. Powered by two Allison J35 engines, each capable of producing 7,200 pounds thrust with afterburner, the F-89J had a cruising speed of 465 mph.  The F-89 was retired from service in 1969.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 59 ft. 10 in.
Length:  53 ft. 8 in.
Height:  17 ft. 6 in.
Empty Weight:  
Gross Weight:  47,700 lbs. maximum
Crew: 		Maximum speed: 627 mph
Cruising speed: 465 mph
Range: 1,600 miles
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Engines: Two Allison J35s of 7,200 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner)
Armament: Two AIR-2A Genie air-to-air rockets with nuclear warheads plus four AIM-4C Falcon missiles
   
SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force  

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