Republik XF-91 Thunderceptor

Republic XF-91

LandUsa
RollePrototyp-Abfangjäger
Erstflug9. Mai 1949
Gebaut2

das Republik XF-91 Thunderceptor (ursprünglich XP-91) ist ein Prototyp eines Abfangjägers mit gemischtem Antrieb, der von Republic Aviation entwickelt wurde. Das Flugzeug würde ein Düsentriebwerk für den größten Teil des Fluges und eine Gruppe von vier kleinen Raketentriebwerken für zusätzlichen Schub beim Steigen und Abfangen verwenden. Das Design war zum Zeitpunkt seiner Fertigstellung aufgrund der schnell steigenden Leistung zeitgenössischer Düsentriebwerke weitgehend veraltet, und es wurden nur zwei Prototypen gebaut. Einer davon war der erste amerikanische Jäger, der Mach 1 im Flachflug übertraf.

Quelle: Republic XF-91 auf Wikipedia

Republik XF-91
FotografenJohn Heck, Vladimir Yakubov
LokalisierungNational Air & Space Museum, Washington DC
Fotos99
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Siehe auch:

Zweiter Weltkrieg: Die definitive visuelle Geschichte vom Blitzkrieg bis zur Atombombe (DK Definitive Visual Histories) - Amazon Zweiter Weltkrieg Karte für Karte (DK Geschichte Karte für Karte) - Amazon


General Characteristics and Role

The Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor was an experimental prototype interceptor aircraft developed for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the late 1940s. Its primary role was to explore the concept of a high-performance, short-range interceptor that could rapidly climb to high altitudes and intercept enemy bombers. To achieve this, the aircraft was equipped with a revolutionary mixed-propulsion system combining a turbojet engine for cruise and four rocket engines for bursts of acceleration during combat or climb. The XF-91 is perhaps best known for its uniquely designed inverse tapered wings, a feature intended to mitigate Mach tuck and improve low-speed handling.

Property Typical Value (XF-91)
Rolle Experimental Mixed-Power Interceptor
National Origin USA
Hersteller Republic Aviation Company
First Flight 9. Mai 1949
Crew 1 (Pilot)
Länge 13.23 m (43 ft 5 in)
Flügelspannweite 9.51 m (31 ft 2 in)
Gross Weight 8,870 kg (19,550 lb)

Propulsion and Aerodynamics

  • Primary Engine: 1 x General Electric J47-GE-3 turbojet engine (in the rear fuselage).
  • Turbojet Thrust: 23.35 kN (5,200 lbf) (dry).
  • Auxiliary Power: 4 x Reaction Motors XLR11 liquid-fueled rocket engines (mounted in the tail above and below the jet exhaust).
  • Rocket Thrust: Approx. 26.7 kN (6,000 lbf) total for short bursts.
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 1.71 (achieved in a later powered flight). It was the first U.S. fighter to exceed Mach 1 in level flight using a mixed-propulsion system.
  • Inverse Taper Wing: The wing chord was wider at the tip than at the root (the inverse of conventional taper). This arrangement maintained high lift at the tips, helping to prevent tip stall and improve control at high angles of attack.
  • Landing Gear: Featured a unique bicycle-style main landing gear with two main wheels side-by-side at the center of the fuselage, supported by small outrigger wheels under the wingtips.

Program Outcome and Legacy

  • Technical Success: The XF-91 proved the feasibility of using rocket augmentation for performance bursts and demonstrated the viability of the inverse taper wing concept for high-speed flight control.
  • Cancellation: Despite its technical achievements, the program was canceled in 1952. The development of more powerful, conventional turbojet engines (which eliminated the need for complex, short-duration rocket power) and the rise of the superior all-jet F-104 Starfighter made the mixed-power interceptor obsolete.
  • Legacy: The inverse taper wing design, while not adopted, was an important piece of research. The aircraft’s testing provided vital data on high-Mach flight and supersonic stability.
  • Preservation: The sole remaining prototype is preserved and displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.

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