North American F-107A

The F-107 was designed for an Air Force competition to select a new all-weather fighter-bomber.  The design originated as a redesigned F-100, but it quickly became apparent that the Air Force’s request for an internal bomb bay would require an all-new design.  North American’s design incorporated a unique overhead jet intake to allow for carrying weapons partially submerged in the aircraft’s belly.  The first flight of the F-107 was on September 10, 1956.  The F-107’s competitor for the Air Force contract was the Republic F-105.  While both aircraft performed very well the decision eventually came down on the side of the F-105 primarily because it had a full internal bomb bay while the F-107 did not.  After Air Force testing ended two of the F-107 prototypes were turned over to National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for experimental testing of the control system for the X-15 and high speed research flights.

Manufacturer
North American

Markings
North American Aviation, Edwards AFB, California, 1956

Designation
F-107A

Serial Number
55-5118