Northrop F-89J Scorpion

A picture of the Northrop F-89J Scorpion

The F-89 was the U.S. Air Force’s first multi-seat, jet-powered all-weather fighter.  The prototype first flew in August 1949 and deliveries of operational aircraft began in July 1950.  The F-89D introduced several refinements to the aircraft, most notably the addition of launchers for 52 2.75-inch rockets in the wing tip fuel pods.  Starting in 1956 a total of 350 F-89Ds were converted to F-89Js.  The changes included electronic and radar upgrades to use the Genie air-to-air nuclear missile.  

Service History:

Built by Northrop Aircraft, Palmdale, California as a F-89D and delivered to the U.S. Air Force on October 11, 1955.

October 1955              To 84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Hamilton AFB, California.

January 1956               To 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Oxnard Airport, California.

April 1957                   To Northrop Aircraft, Palmdale California for conversion to F-89J.

August 1957                To 449th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Ladd AFB, Alaska.

April 1958                   To 5060th Consolidated Maintenance Group, Ladd AFB, Alaska.

May 1960                    To Mobile Air Materiel Area, Alabama.

October 1960              To 142nd Consolidated Maintenance Squadron, Portland, Oregon.

April 1961                   To 123rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland Municipal Airport, Oregon.

February 1963             To 142nd Fighter Group, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland Municipal Airport, Oregon.

February 1965             To Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona for storage.

March 1965                 Dropped from inventory as surplus.

1985                            Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Wingspan

59 ft 8 in.

Length

53 ft 10 in.

Height

17 ft 7 in.

Weight

42,241 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

636 MPH

Service Ceiling

49,200 ft

Range

1,370 miles

Engines

Two Allison J35-A-35 turbojets with 7,200 pounds of thrust

Crew

2

Manufacturer
Northrop

Markings
449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Ladd AFB, Alaska, 1957

Designation
F-89J

Serial Number
53-2674

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