F-94 Starfire

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The F-94 Starfire was an all-weather, night and day interceptor aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Corporation. It was developed from the successful twin-seat T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft, which in itself was based on the single-seat P-80 / F-80 Shooting Star. The F-94 Starfire shared many visual similarities with the Shooting Star series including the single powerplant, twin intakes at front, wingtip fuel tanks and low monoplane straight wing assembly designs. The Starfire made its first flight on April 16 1949 and got introduced almost a year after.

The F-94 was specifically designed to counter the threat of the USSR’s new Tupolev Tu-4 bombers. It entered service in 1950, and was the first jet-powered interceptor of the Air Defense Command (ADC). A total of 854 Starfires were manufactured. The U.S. Air Force (USAF) used them in the 1950s, and the Air National Guard (ANG) in the 1960s. The F-94 was seen in combat action during the Korean War. It performed acceptably, though it should be noted that the system did not exceed performance of the existing F-80 Shooting Star in any way. By the end of the war, the system was already being replaced as a frontline alternative by more modern and capable fighters and strike aircraft. Where the F-94 did shine in the conflict, however, was in using its powerful radar in conjunction with nightfighting sorties, able to find, target and destroy enemy aircraft through instrument use only.

Specifications (F-94C Starfire)

Type: All-weather aircraft
Crew: 2
Length: 44 ft 6 in (13.6 m)
Wingspan: 42 ft 5 in (12.9 m)
Height: 14 ft 11 in (4.5 m)
Wing area: 232.8 ft² (21.63 m²)
Empty weight: 12,708 lb (5,764 kg)
Loaded Weight: 18,300 lb (8,300 kg)
Max. Takeoff Weight: 24,184 lb (10,970 kg)
Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney J48-P-5 turbojet engine generating 8,750lbs of thrust
Maximum speed: 640 mph (556 knots, 1,030 km/h)
Range: 700 nm (805 mi, 1,300 km) combat
Armament: 24 x 2.75 inch Mighty Mouse air-to-air rockets underfuselage
24 x 2.75 inch Mighty Mouse air-to-air rockets in wing launchers

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