This Day in Aviation History
June 3rd, 1949
First flight of the Lockheed XF-90.
 
The Lockheed XF-90 was built in response to a United States Air Force requirement for a long-range penetration fighter and bomber escort. The same requirement produced the McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo. Lockheed received a contract for two prototype XP-90s (redesignated XF-90 in 1948). The design was developed by Willis Hawkins and the Skunk Works team under Kelly Johnson. Two prototypes were built (s/n 46-687 and -688). Developmental and political difficulties delayed the first flight until 3 June 1949, with Chief Test Pilot Tony LeVier at the controls. Performance of the design was considered inadequate due to being underpowered, and the XF-90 never entered production….
 
Source:
Wikipedia, Lockheed XF-90: http://gstv.us/1eO6Qo4
 
YouTube, New Us Navy Jet (1949): http://gstv.us/1eO6Zba
 
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Photo from: http://gstv.us/1X3Y6OG
 
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