This Day in McDonnell Voodoo History: June 23

In 1953, the USAF began a brief evaluation of the hybrid XF-88B aircraft, just prior to it being turned over to NACA for research in advanced supersonic propeller designs.  

On the same date in 1955, Hughes was directed to modify the E-9 fire control system of the Northrop F-89H Scorpion to target and fire the nuclear-tipped MB-1 Ding Dong rockets as the new MG-12 system.  Essentially, this would serve as an experimental prototype for the MG-13 system destined for the F-101B.

Photo: The converted Ship No.1, now carrying an Allison XT38-A-5 turboprop

engine in addition to the pair of Westinghouse J34-WE-15 engines mounted when it won the penetration fighter competition in 1950.

Photo Credit: Art Davies, Jr. Collection, Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum