Northrop F-89J Scorpion (2024)

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Northrop F-89J Scorpion (2)

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    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 couldlocate, 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 testrocket with a nuclear warhead, and itdetonated over a Nevada test range. It markedthe 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-89Jhad a cruising speed of 465 mph.

    The Maine Air National Guard transferred the Scorpion on display (S/N 52-1911) to the museum fromin July 1969. This aircraft was the last F-89 in service with an operational unit. It is painted to represent an F-89J (S/N 53-2509)assigned to the 449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in the late 1950s. Based at Ladd Air Force Base, near Fairbanks, Alaska, itcarries insignia red arctic markings.

    TECHNICAL NOTES:
    Armament: Two AIR-2A Genie air-to-air rockets with nuclear warheads plus four AIM-4C Falcon missiles
    Engines: Two Allison J35s of 7,200 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner)
    Maximum speed: 627 mph
    Cruising speed: 465 mph
    Range: 1,600 miles
    Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
    Span: 59 ft. 10 in.
    Length: 53 ft. 8 in.
    Height: 17 ft. 6 in.
    Weight: 47,700 lbs. maximum

    Click here to return to the Cold War Gallery.

    Find Out More
    Northrop F-89J Scorpion (28)
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    FAQs

    What replaced the F-89 Scorpion? ›

    It was phased out of active service in the late 1950s, being replaced by supersonic McDonnell F-101B Voodoos and Convair F-102A Delta Daggers. interceptors.

    Learn More ›
    What armaments are on the F 89 Scorpion? ›

    The F-89D was the major production model of the Scorpion, with 682 being built. The 4-canon armament of the earlier models was replaced by 104 2.75-in. Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFARs, 52 on each side) mounted in large pods on the wing tips. The -E, -F, and -G models of the Scorpion were paper studies only.

    Read On ›
    What plane replaced the A-10 Warthog? ›

    The replacement for the A-10 is the F-35.

    Read On ›
    Is the A-10 Warthog being replaced? ›

    Scott Mills, an A-10 pilot, said in the release. Davis-Monthan's fleet of Warthogs now includes 76 of the aircraft across three squadrons, which will eventually disband. Maintainers and pilots will transfer to other units across the service, some of which fly the F-35.

    Get More Info ›
    Did the F89 see combat? ›

    [4] SCORPION SUMMARY / SPECIALS & UNBUILT VARIANTS

    It never saw any combat. It was gradually withdrawn from front-line service later in the decade, being replaced by the Convair F-102 Delta Dart. However, Scorpions served with Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units until as late as 1969.

    Know More ›
    What engine is in the F 89 Scorpion? ›

    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.

    See More ›
    Was the F 106 maneuverable? ›

    Air-to-air combat testing suggested "The Six" was a reasonable match for the F-4 Phantom II in a dogfight, with superior high-altitude turn performance and overall maneuverability (aided by the aircraft's lower wing loading).

    Keep Reading ›
    What aircraft replaced the c9? ›

    The 89th Airlift Wing operates three of these aircraft from Andrews AFB, but they themselves are due to be replaced in the near future by the Boeing C-40B, a military version of the Boeing 737-700 commercial airliner.

    Get More Info Here ›
    What model F-4 did the Blue Angels fly? ›

    HISTORY OF THE BLUE ANGELS

    By the end of the 1960's, we were flying the F-4 Phantom, the only two seat aircraft flown by the delta formation. In 1974, we transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, a smaller and lighter aircraft with a tighter turning radius allowing for a more dynamic flight demonstration.

    Read The Full Story ›
    What did the F 86 replace? ›

    F-86 Replaces F-80.

    Tell Me More ›
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