Northrop F-89J Scorpion, 53-2674, Pima Air & Space Museum
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 53-2674
Construction Number: Unknown
Code Number: O-32674 / 674
Model Northrop F-89J Scorpion
Operator: Pima Air & Space Museum
Airport: Tucson - Pima Air and Space Museum, USA - Arizona
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 10/1992
Date Submitted: 14/07/2009
The F-89 Scorpion was designed to be a jet-powered, all-weather replacement for the P-61 Black Widow. The F-89 entered USAF service in September of 1950. The design is notable for being the first combat aircraft armed with nuclear weopons for air-to-air use, this weapon being the Douglas Air-2/MB-1 Genie unguided air-to-air rocket. The F-89J was the definitive variant, all 350 of the 'J' model were converted from the earlier F-89D. On the F-89J the standard wingtip missile pod/tanks were replaced with fuel tanks. Underwing hardpoints allowed for the carriage of up to two AIR-2/MB-1 Genies, or at least four AIM-4 Falcon missiles, or a combination, although a mixed load wasn't generally flown. The last F-89s were retired from service by 1969. This particular example, one of only 19 complete F-89s on display in the USA, wears the markings of the 449th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, based at Ladd AFB, Alaska. She is displayed at Pima courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Picture ID:1182669