This Day in McDonnell Voodoo History:

June 14

In 1950, USAF Phase II tests of the improved XF-88A ended in preparation for the penetration fighter “fly-off.”  

In 1956, an F-101A participated in testing of a miniaturized atomic warhead for air-to-air rockets during the Kickapoo shot of Operation Redwing.  Crucial for evaluating the potential of an interceptor version of the VooDoo, the shot almost did not go off due to technical issues.  Running low on fuel, Capt. John Apple landed his F-101 at Eniwetok Atoll and ground crews set to work to get it airborne twenty minutes later.  Supersonic at 7,500 feet over the blast, the F-101A outran the expanding shock wave of the bomb.  The test was a success, demonstrating both the potential of the F-101 as an interceptor as well the reliability of the basic aircraft.