The XF-92A was the world's first jet aircraft to fly with the radical delta-wing configuration pioneered by Germany's Dr. Alexander Lippisch. Convair used the knowledge learned from the XF-92 to design the delta-wing F-102, the U.S. Air Force’s first operational supersonic interceptor.
The original 1945 F-92 design concept was a short-ranged, swept-wing, supersonic interceptor powered by a ramjet and several rocket engines. In the end, this propulsion system proved impractical, and the USAF canceled the F-92 interceptor program.
The USAF, however, accepted the turbojet-powered XF-92A prototype to conduct delta-wing flight research. The sole XF-92A was flown by Air Force and NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), predecessor to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), test pilots from 1948 until its nose gear collapsed on landing in October 1953.
The museum’s aircraft was delivered in 1969 from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: Allison J33 turbojet of 8,600 lbs. thrust with afterburner
Maximum speed: 715 mph
Service ceiling: 40,000 feet
Weight: 8,500 empty; 14,608 lbs. maximum
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