Convair XF-92

Convair XF-92
Country	USA
Role	Interceptor aircraft
First flight	18 September 1948
Built	1

The Convair XF-92 (originally designated XP-92) was an early American delta wing aircraft. Originally conceived as a point-defence interceptor, the design was later used purely for experimental purposes. However, it led Convair to use the delta-wing on a number of designs, including the F-102 Delta Dagger, F-106 Delta Dart, B-58 Hustler, the US Navy’s F2Y Sea Dart as well as the VTOL FY Pogo.

Source: Convair XF-92 on Wikipedia

Convair XF-92
Photographers	John Heck, Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC
Photos	113

Convair XF-92A Dart 01

Convair XF-92A Dart 02

Convair XF-92A Dart 03

Convair XF-92A Dart 04

Convair XF-92A Dart 05

Convair XF-92A Dart 06

Convair XF-92A Dart 07

Convair XF-92A Dart 08

Convair XF-92A Dart 09

Click on a photo and use the mouse scroll to view all photos

Wait, Searching Convair XF-92 for you…

General Characteristics and Role

The Convair XF-92A Dart was a single-seat, experimental jet aircraft developed for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the late 1940s. Although initially conceived as a prototype interceptor (designations XF-92/YF-92), its true significance lies in its role as a pure research vehicle. The XF-92A was the first American jet aircraft to fly with a delta wing configuration. Based on aerodynamic research by German engineer Alexander Lippisch, this radical wing shape was crucial to Convair’s supersonic aircraft development. The XF-92A successfully proved the feasibility of the delta wing design for high-speed flight, directly leading to the development of the F-102 Delta Dagger and the B-58 Hustler.

Property	Typical Value (XF-92A)
Role	Experimental/Research Aircraft (Delta Wing)
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Convair
First Flight	18 September 1948
Crew	1 (Pilot)
Length	12.83 m (42 ft 1 in)
Wingspan	9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)
Gross Weight	6,890 kg (15,198 lb)

Powerplant and Delta Features

Engine: Initially a General Electric J33-A-21 turbojet, later upgraded to a Allison J33-A-29 turbojet with afterburner.
Thrust (Max): Approx. 3,400 lbf (15 kN) (original J33); 8,300 lbf (37 kN) (upgraded J33-A-29 with afterburner).
Aerodynamics: The delta wing featured a 60-degree sweep along the leading edge. The absence of a conventional horizontal stabilizer meant the single control surfaces (elevons) handled both pitch and roll control.
Maximum Speed: The upgraded version was capable of speeds approaching the speed of sound, with Mach 0.95 being achieved during flight testing.
Key Contribution: The XF-92A was vital in studying the flight characteristics of the delta wing, particularly issues related to high angle-of-attack handling and high-speed stability.

Program Legacy and Impact

Pilot Feedback: Test pilots, including Chuck Yeager, praised the aircraft’s high-speed handling but noted poor low-speed maneuverability, particularly during landing approach, which required high pitch angles.
Influence: The XF-92A is considered the direct predecessor to all of Convair’s supersonic delta wing interceptors and bombers, setting the path for aircraft such as the F-102 Delta Dagger, the F-106 Delta Dart, and the B-58 Hustler strategic bomber.
Retirement: The sole prototype flew over 250 times and was retired in 1953 after successfully completing its primary research objectives.
Preservation: The single XF-92A built (AF Ser. No. 46-682) is now on permanent display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.