XF-85 Goblin
From Freepedia
| McDonnell XF-85 Goblin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Image:Goblin.jpg XF-85 Goblin | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Parasite fighter | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 14 ft 10 in | 4.5 m |
| Wingspan | 21 ft 1 in | 6.4 m |
| Height | 8 ft 3 in | 2.5 m |
| Wing area | 90 ft² | 8.3 m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 3,740 lb | 1,696 kg |
| Loaded | 4,550 lb | 2,063 kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | Westinghouse XJ-34 | |
| Thrust | 3,000 lbf | 13 kN |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 664 mph | 1,069 km/h |
| Combat range | ||
| Ferry range | ||
| Service ceiling | 48,000 ft | 15,000 m |
| Rate of climb | 12,500 ft/min | 3,800 m/min |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 4 times 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns | |
The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin was a fighter aircraft, conceived during World War II and intended to be carried in the bomb bay of the giant Convair B-36 bomber as a defensive parasite fighter. Its first flight was on 23 August, 1948.
Two prototypes were built, and both still survive; one in the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio and the other at the Strategic Air Command Museum outside Omaha, Nebraska.
Several factors combined to kill the XF-85 program.
- Docking with the bomber 'host' proved much more difficult than thought; even experienced test pilots had trouble. (It should be noted that the military test pilots also flying the docking tests succeeded at all docking tests and reported no difficulties, reference please)
- The XF-85 was no match for the conventional enemy fighters it would have to engage to defend the bombers - it was slower and much more lightly armed.
- The range of jet escort fighters improved so that they could accompany the bombers further.
- Tight budgets meant that less important programs were canned.
All tests undertaken on the XF-85 were carried out using a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber because a prototype B-36 was unavailable. Later, a B-36 was used as a mother ship for similar tests, carrying a conventional Republic F-84 Thunderstreak fighter. These tests, known as FICON (Fighter Conveyor) experiments, were also found to be of little long term practical use and the whole concept was dropped.
Gaming apperance
The XF-85 made an apperance in Battlefield 1942 expansion Secret Weapons of WWII where it was one of 4 planes.
External links
- USAF Museum: XF-85 on display, XF-85 testing, and more XF-85 information.
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | |
| Similar Aircraft | |
| Designation Series | |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the United States - List of fighter aircraft |
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