Lockheed F-94 Starfire
Country of origin
United States
United States
ManufacturerLockheed Corporation
The Lockheed F-94 Starfire is a first-generation jet-powered all-weather day/night interceptor aircraft designed and produced by Lockheed Corporation. Put into production in 1949, it was the first operational United States Air Force (USAF) fighter equipped with an afterburner as well as being the first jet-powered all-weather fighter to enter combat during the Korean War.
The F-94 was developed to fulfil a specification issued by the USAF in 1948, seeking a new interceptor capable of day and night operations to replace its piston-engined types in light of recent military advances made by the Soviet Union. The F-94 was derived from the successful Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star trainer; being a relatively simple conversion from an established aircraft led to USAF officials viewing it as a low-risk option and opting to procure the type. Maintaining a high level of parts commonality with the preceding aircraft, the majority of the F-94's external changes were related to the adoption of a larger nose that accommodated multiple guns, radar, and an automatic fire-control system. Engine thrust was also bolstered by adding an afterburner to the Allison J33 powerplant used.
On 16 April 1949, the...
The F-94 was developed to fulfil a specification issued by the USAF in 1948, seeking a new interceptor capable of day and night operations to replace its piston-engined types in light of recent military advances made by the Soviet Union. The F-94 was derived from the successful Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star trainer; being a relatively simple conversion from an established aircraft led to USAF officials viewing it as a low-risk option and opting to procure the type. Maintaining a high level of parts commonality with the preceding aircraft, the majority of the F-94's external changes were related to the adoption of a larger nose that accommodated multiple guns, radar, and an automatic fire-control system. Engine thrust was also bolstered by adding an afterburner to the Allison J33 powerplant used.
On 16 April 1949, the...
