This Day in McDonnell Voodoo History: July 15

In 1949, with the newer XF-88A to take part in the official penetration fighter competition, a contract is signed to convert the first XF-88 prototype into a test bed for the Allison XT38-A-5 turboprop engine as the XF-88B.  The intent of the program was to improve cruise performance and range of future escort fighters.  To provide extra power for air combat, the XF-88 would also be modified with the afterburning J34-WE-15 engines of the XF-88A.  The modified aircraft was developed by McDonnell as the Model 36J design.