Facts summary and sources
North American F-107 Ultra Sabre: speed Mach 2.0 (source basis for this value has not been checked). First flight: 1956.
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Sources and check records
- Wikipedia reference Β· Source-check date not recorded
βοΈ Full Specifications
| Designation | F-107A |
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
| Country | πΊπΈ United States |
| First flight | 1956 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 18.45 m (60.5 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2 |
| Speed evidence basis | Published specification |
| Max Speed | 2,336 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 16,154 m (53,001 ft) |
| Range | 3,885 km (2,413 mi) |
| Engine | 1Γ Pratt & Whitney J75-P-9 turbojet |
Overview
The North American F-107 featured a dorsal-mounted air intake positioned directly above and behind the cockpit. Developed as an advanced tactical fighter-bomber based on the F-100 Super Sabre, the F-107 competed against the Republic F-105 Thunderchief but lost the competition. Only three prototypes were built, yet the aircraft achieved Mach 2 and tested variable-area inlet technology used in later North American designs.
Design & Development
In June 1953, North American began studying advanced derivatives of the F-100 Super Sabre. The F-100B design incorporated a recessed weapons bay for nuclear weapons delivery, an all-moving vertical fin, and an automated flight control system. The most radical feature was the Variable Area Inlet Duct (VAID), positioned atop the fuselage because the Air Force required an underbelly semi-conformal nuclear weapon station.
The VAID automatically controlled airflow to the Pratt & Whitney J75 engine and proved highly efficient. The canopy opened by sliding vertically upward, and the ejection seat was designed to blast through the canopy in emergencies. Three prototypes were ordered in August 1954, with the first flying on 10 September 1956, achieving Mach 1.03 on its maiden flight and reaching Mach 2 by November 1956.
Operational History
In 1957, the USAF chose to buy the F-105 rather than put the F-107 into production. The first and third F-107A prototypes went to NACA for high-speed research. The second, used for weapons testing, went to the museum that year. USAF Museum history.
Today, one F-107 is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and another at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The innovative VAID inlet technology was later applied to North American’s A-5 Vigilante, XB-70 Valkyrie, and XF-108 Rapier designs.
Capabilities
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0 (2,336 km/h / 1,452 mph)
- Service Ceiling: 16,154 m (53,000 ft)
- Range: 3,885 km (2,414 miles)
- Engine: 1Γ Pratt & Whitney J75-P-9 afterburning turbojet, 24,500 lbf thrust
- Crew: 1
- Length: 18.45 m (60.5 ft)
- First Flight: 10 September 1956
- Units Built: 3 prototypes
Armament & Weapons
- Cannon: 4Γ 20 mm T-160 cannons
- Nuclear Weapons: Semi-conformal underbelly station for nuclear bombs
- Conventional: 6 underwing hardpoints for bombs, rockets, or missiles
- Weapons Bay: Recessed underbelly weapons bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the F-107’s air intake on top of the fuselage?
The Air Force required the aircraft to carry a semi-conformal nuclear weapon under the fuselage, which precluded a conventional chin or ventral intake. The dorsal position proved aerodynamically efficient.
Did the F-107 enter production?
No. In 1957, the USAF selected the F-105 instead. Three F-107A prototypes were built; the first and third later supported NACA research.
Where can I see an F-107 today?
One F-107 is displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and another at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.