North American YF-93
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2008) |
YF-93 | |
---|---|
The first YF-93A with NACA inlets | |
Role | Fighter |
Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
First flight | 24 January 1950 |
Retired | 1956 |
Primary users | United States Air Force NACA |
Number built | 2 |
Developed from | F-86 Sabre
|
The North American YF-93 was an American fighter development of the
Design and development
In 1947, North American Aviation began a design study, NA-157, to create a true "
The F-86C was much larger and heavier, weighing in at 10,640 lb (4,830 kg) more than its antecedent. The increased weight and girth necessitated a dual-wheel main landing gear, increased wing area and a more powerful engine, the Pratt & Whitney J48 rated at 6,250 lbf (27.8 kN) static thrust and 8,750 lbf (38.9 kN) thrust available in afterburner. With the SCR-720 search radar and six 20 mm (.79 in) cannon mounted in the nose where the air intake was on the F-86A, the engineers designed a novel set of flush-mounted NACA inlets.
In December 1947, the Air Force ordered two prototype NA-157s and, considering the many changes to the F-86, redesignated it YF-93A. Both prototypes were built with NACA inlet ducts; the first, (48-317), was later retro-fitted with more conventional intakes. Six months later, the initial contract was followed up with an order for 118 F-93A-NAs. In 1949, the production order was abruptly canceled as priorities had shifted dramatically following the testing of the ground-breaking
Operational history
The prototypes, serial numbers 48-317 and -318, began flight tests in 1950 and were entered in a flyoff against the other penetration fighter projects, the
Operators
Variants
- F-86C
- Original designation for a re-engined variant of the F-86A, two built.
- YF-93A
- Two prototype F-86Cs redesignated,
- F-93A
- Production variant, order for 118 cancelled.
Specifications (YF-93A)
Data from The American Fighter[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 44 ft 1 in (13.44 m)
- Wingspan: 38 ft 9 in (11.81 m)
- Height: 15 ft 8 in (4.78 m)
- Wing area: 306 sq ft (28.4 m2)
- Empty weight: 14,035 lb (6,366 kg)
- Gross weight: 21,610 lb (9,802 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 26,516 lb (12,027 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6 turbojet, 6,000 lbf (27 kN) thrust dry, 8,750 lbf (38.9 kN) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed: 708 mph (1,139 km/h, 615 kn) at sea level, 622 mph (1,001 km/h; 541 kn) at 35,000 ft (11,000 m)
- Cruise speed: 534 mph (859 km/h, 464 kn)
- Range: 1,967 mi (3,166 km, 1,709 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 46,800 ft (14,300 m)
- Rate of climb: 11,960 ft/min (60.8 m/s)
Armament
- Guns: 6× 20mm M24 cannon (proposed, not fitted to the prototypes)
See also
Related development
References
Notes
- ^ Angelucci and Bowers 1987, p. 352.
Bibliography
- Angelucci, Enzo and ISBN 0-85429-635-2.
- Davis, Larry. F-86 Sabre in action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992. ISBN 0-89747-282-9.
- Pace, Steve. X-Fighters: USAF Experimental and Prototype Fighters, XP-59 to YF-23. Osceola, Wisconsin: Motorbooks International, 1991. ISBN 0-87938-540-5.
- Sgarlato, Nico and Franco Ragni. U.S. Fighters of the Fifties. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-89747-090-7.
- Wagner, Ray. The North American Sabre. London: Macdonald, 1963. No ISBN.