This Day in McDonnell Voodoo History: February 6th

In 1951, the USAF discussed the “ultimate” version of the new SAC escort fighter, defining performance needed to match the speed, range, and altitude newer jet bombers such as the Boeing B-47B.  It would have to be able to cruise at 560 mph over a radius of 1,500 miles and be able to exceed the performance of Soviet interceptors capable of over 900 mph and 60,000 feet, anticipated by 1956.  The AN/APG-37 radar originally developed for the F-86D interceptor was considered for the new design.  In March 1951, an improved VooDoo, the Model 36F with Westinghouse J46 engines, would be selected.

Photo: Characteristics Summary of the proposed Model 96F.

Photo credit: USAF via Ryan Crerie