F-94 Starfire

The F-94 was an interim all-weather interceptor developed from the T-33 trainer, which had been developed from the F-80. Initial tests showed that the engine was not powerful enough to support the increased weight of the electronic equipment and the Hughes E-1 fire-control radar. In addition to a higher-performing engine, several changes to the aircraft's lines were required. First accepted in December 1949, F-94As began replacing North American F-82s in Air Defense Command. When the Korean War broke out, Starfires were prohibited from flying over North Korea for fear of compromising their sophisticated electronic equipment. However, mounting B-29 losses led to the lifting of this restriction. On January 30, 1953, Capt. B. L. Fithian (pilot) and Lt. S. R. Lyons (radar operator) shot down an unseen LA-9 piston-engine fighter. The F-94C was phased out of Air Force service in 1959, and the last Air National Guard F-94s were retired in early 1960.

Contractors: Lockheed Aircraft Co.
Locations Built: Burbank, Calif.
Number Built: (USAF) 856 (856)
First Flight: April 16, 1949
First Flight Model: YF-94
First Flight Location: Van Nuys, Calif.
First Flight Pilot: Tony LeVier (pilot) and Glenn Fulkerson (observer)
Models/Variants: F-94A, B, C
Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney J48-P-5 or -5A turbojet of 8,750 lb of thrust
Wingspan: 42 ft 5 in (over tiptanks)
Length: 44 ft 6 in.
Height: 14 ft 11 in.
Weight: 24,200 lb gross
Armament: 24 2.75-in Mighty Mouse FFARs in nose and 24 2.75-in FFARs in two wing pods (12 rockets in each)
Accommodation: Crew of two (pilot and radar intercept officer)
Cost: $534,000
Max. Speed: 640 mph
Range: 1,200 mi.
Ceiling: 51,000 ft.

 


Copyright Air Force Association. All rights reserved.